Bruno Fernandes's role change could give Manchester United an advantage vs Man City

There was a moment in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford when Anthony Martial demurred on pressing and the Manchester United supporters were audibly irked.

It transpired Martial had sustained an injury and did not reemerge for the second half. He did not play for United again until April.

Wout Weghorst was at the stadium for the first time that day, watching on from the directors' box. At full-time, Weghorst edged away from his designated seat, eager to take it all in as Raphael Varane turned cheerleader in front of the opposite stand.

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Weghorst started the next 19 United games in Martial's absence yet it would be an FA Cup final selection shock to rank with Jim Leighton's demotion if he did on Saturday. Weghorst has started in one of the last 14 games since his slapstick performance at Newcastle and he has two goals in 30 United games - two tap-ins with the goalkeeper prone.

In United's final Premier League game, Weghorst sliced a perfect cross from Jadon Sancho well wide of the goal. Once Weghorst had lifted his face from the turf, he glanced at the matchgoers and shook his head.

City's No.9s are Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. United's are Martial and Weghorst. That's how far apart the clubs are.

City scored 36 more goals than United in the Premier League. Haaland has 52 this term - nine shy of 14 of United's scorers combined.

Just like two seasons ago, Rashford and Bruno Fernandes occupy first and second in the United scoring charts, only the other way around.

That effectively ensured Rashford received the Sir Matt Busby statue on Monday evening. He was his teammates' choice, too., doubtless impressed by his recovery from a torrid 2021-22. Rashford has plundered six