Pundit: 28-year-old will definitely start for Man United v Man City

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera Photo: UEFA / Handout

Ander Herrera will definitely start for Manchester United against Manchester City in Sunday’s crunch derby clash, according to Alan Curbishley.

The Red Devils will be without Paul Pogba for the showdown at Old Trafford after the Frenchman was shown a straight red card in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Arsenal last weekend.

It is probably no coincidence that Manchester United’s recent upturn in form has coincided with Pogba’s return from a hamstring injury, so he is likely to be a big miss against the Citizens this weekend.

Pogba has been playing alongside summer signing Nemanja Matic in the heart of Manchester United’s midfield and the pair have been in solid form together.

However, former Charlton manager Curbishley believes that Herrera is likely to step in and fill in for the France international this weekend.

Speaking on The Debate on Sky Sports, Curbishley said: “It’s the way it happens sometimes. Someone else will come in [to replace Paul Pobga], probably Ander Herrera and we’ve seen him before do a job on the opposition.

“I imagine him partnering Matic. I think they will be playing the most offensive midfield in the Premier League.”

Manchester United head into Sunday’s game in second place in the Premier League table and eight points behind leaders Manchester City.

A win for Jose Mourinho’s men would leave them five points behind the leaders heading into the hectic festive period, but a defeat would cause them to fall 11 points behind their bitter local rivals.

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