Erik ten Hag has three reasons to start Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay for Man United vs Man City

Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay were classed by some as the dead wood that needed chopping from the Manchester United squad last season.

The duo had rotten campaigns, producing little fruit from their tiresome labour. But after three months of Erik ten Hag’s nurturing attention, the pair have regrown in confidence and stature.

As a result, it has been hard to argue a case for either to be axed from the starting line-up. And there are three good reasons why both should start Sunday’s Manchester derby.

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Rashford netted three goals in four matches prior to his recent injury; the winner against Liverpool and a double versus Arsenal. Meanwhile, McTominay has been the most sturdy he has ever been throughout his United career.

The Scot has come into his own alongside Christian Eriksen, becoming the pivot for the Dane’s magician-like forward play. Form suggests it would be unwise to disrupt the momentum both have gained in recent matches.

There’s another factor that comes into play ahead of a derby too. Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro may be serial winners but it is ingrained into academy graduates McTominay and Rashford how much a result against the noisy neighbours means to the fanbase.

Growing up in the fabric of the club means a result matters to them personally as well. That passion prompted both to raise their game in the win over Liverpool and the same applies against Manchester City.

Undoubtedly Ronaldo, Casemiro and others in the team understand the gravitas of the fixture but academy products always have that added one per cent extra edge in such clashes.

Finally, both suit Ten Hag’s style of play against City. A number of goals in the triumphs