On Saturday morning a rivalry is renewed on a different stage as Manchester United host rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford in the derby.

We all know that names on paper are irrelevant if the players don’t perform on the pitch. Specially when it comes to the derby, “Form goes out the window”. But for the sake of the argument, let us analyze the two teams for the derby.

Jose Mourinho will be taking on Pep Guardiola in the quest for bragging rights on and off the pitch and it promises to be a brilliant battle.

Both have had a summer to sort out their squads, with both spending plenty of cash in their attempts to build title-winning teams.

So, which of the managers has the best group to pick from ahead of the derby clash?

Goalkeepers:  Manchester United: 9.5/10 —– Manchester City: 7/10 

The Red Devils have brilliant No.1 in David De Gea, with Sergio Romero a quality backup. The Citizens, in case you missed it, have had issues thoush as Joe Hart was sent on loan to Torino with Claudio Bravo getting signed from Barcelona to be the first choice. Willy Carbalerro is an okay deputy.

Full-backs: Manchester United 9/10 —– Manchester City 8.5/10

Antonio Valencia is turning out to be a very decent right back, while Luke Shaw is undoubtedly talented. Beyond that, though, they look a little weak. Pep Guardiola though, has plenty of depth with Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta on the right, with Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichu on the left.

Centre-backs: Manchester United 8/10 —– Manchester City 9/10

Jose Mourinho has upgraded his defence with Eric bailly doing superbly alongside Daley Blind, meanwhile Chris Smalling and Phil Jones wait in the wings. At City, Guardiola  has brought in John Stones to go along with Nicolos Otamendi and Vincent Kompany (when fit).

Midfielders: Manchester United 8.5/10 —– Manchester City 8/10

The Red Devils have added Paul Pogba to their squad, which also includes new boy Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini and many more. City, meanwhile, are blessed with Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, David  Silva, Raheem Sterling, and their summer signing Nolito.

Strikers: Manchester United 9.5/10 —– Manchester City 9/10

Sergio Aguero is definitely the best striker in the Premier League and Kelechi Iheanacho an outstanding prospect, but Man United have Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford, while also being able to call on Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney, if he isn’t spraying the ball about in midfield.

Pep Guardiola must do without Sergio Aguero for the Old Trafford showdown because of the ban.

Total: Manchester United 43/50 —– Manchester City 42.5/50

It’s Jose Mourinho’s men by smallest of margins. They may lack squad depth as compared to city but the individual brilliance makes up for it. Having Zlatan in itself is a positive cause of his character and the addition of Pogba is just an icing on the cake.

Note:

These ratings are based on my knowledge and it is my opinion. It may not match with what you think as everyone is entitled to their opinion. Feel free to give us your best XI from the two teams.