The Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon ended in a shared spoils between the Red Devils and their city rivals, Manchester City, in what can only be described as a snooze-worthy affair.
The match saw both sides seemingly opting to settle for a draw, with their focus shifting to more crucial competitions – Manchester United’s pursuit of the Europa League and Manchester City’s FA Cup aspirations.
Despite the low-energy display, with both teams failing to ignite, the game made headlines for an unexpected reason: a historic shift in Manchester United’s lineup.
The game was a far cry from the usual high-octane intensity of a derby.
Although United recorded a higher expected goals statistic, City had the edge in key areas: five shots on target to United’s two, 59% possession, and 564 passes completed compared to United’s 381.
However, what fans may have missed was the subtle, yet significant change made by manager Ruben Amorim, who quietly ended a 10-year streak for the Red Devils.
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For the first time since October 2015, United’s matchday squad contained no Mancunians in the starting lineup.
Over the past decade, Marcus Rashford had always been a fixture in the derby lineup, but with his winter loan move to Aston Villa, his time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to a close.
With a £40 million buy option inserted into his loan deal, it seems highly probable that Rashford’s future now lies away from Manchester.
Kobbie Mainoo, another Stockport-born player who could have been a possible option, has been sidelined since February due to injury.
Although his long-awaited return is imminent, his absence in the derby added to the rarity of the lineup.
Mainoo’s return could present Ruben Amorim with a selection dilemma, especially given the young midfielder’s potential to become a cornerstone of the team.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mainoo’s future and contract talks, INEOS executives are reportedly keen on maintaining his place in the squad.
However, with potential sale rumours circulating due to stalled negotiations, Amorim’s management of the team will certainly face new challenges in the coming weeks.
The change in United’s matchday squad is a subtle yet clear reflection of a shift in direction, one that might mark the end of an era at Old Trafford.
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Source: Centred Devils
