Rio Ferdinand has named four Manchester United players he thinks are good enough to make a combined XI with rivals Manchester City.
The 197th Manchester derby takes place on Sunday. Manchester United will travel to the Etihad Stadium in search of back-to-back wins, although there is no ignoring that both teams have not started the new season as they would have wanted.
Man City are on three points after as many games, while United have four points after beating Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford before the September international break.
Ahead of the derby on Sunday, City have up to 10 players injured, while United are sweating on the fitness of Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot.
The Manchester derby will be the biggest talking point of the weekend, with several former players offering their predictions before the game. Former United captain Roy Keane believes it will end in a draw, and Rio Ferdinand has opened a can of worms about who has the best players in each position.
Rio Ferdinand claims Leny Yoro makes Man Utd & Man City XI
Ferdinand believes that four United players would make a combined XI with City players.
One player name-checked by Ferdinand is 19-year-old Leny Yoro, who joined United from Lille last year. The others include Bruno Fernandes as well as the new attacking duo, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Fernandes named his four United players and argued that Yoro is set to have a standout season in United’s defence.
“Bruno [Fernandes],” he replied. “I put Leny Yoro in there. I think he is going to be a standout this year. Mbeumo probably gets in there now. Cunha might have a chance.
“At the moment City have got a better squad than us, I think that’s a fact. I don’t think many people would argue with that. That’s just the way it is at the moment.
“But Man United have had a good transfer window, ins and outs, and hopefully we’ll see the benefits of that by the end of the season.
“We needed more pace and players who can execute a transition both ways; more durability, more ability to keep pace with teams. They have addressed that, definitely in the forward areas.
“I still think more of a dynamic midfielder could have been brought in. I think they attempted but it didn’t materialise. I think they’re going the right way in that.”
Phil Jones tips Yoro for a bright future
Former United defender Phil Jones expects Yoro to be an important player for United for many years to come.
United fans will hope that the club can keep Yoro because there will likely come a time when the big clubs in Spain will come knocking.
However, it’s down to United to build a team capable of winning the biggest honours. That way, you will keep players like Yoro.
Speaking about Yoro since he arrived, Jones told United’s official website: “I think he’s been really, really good.
“I like the characteristics as a player, as a centre-back, especially on the right side of a back three.
“I think he’s got the pace and the athleticism, which I think is paramount for a centre-half, these days, in the Premier League.
“Technically, he’s very good on the ball,” added Jones. “In the build-up, he’s very good and very reliable.
“He reads the game really well. He’s strong in both boxes.
“So, yeah, he is going to be an important player for Manchester United for many years to come.”
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