Manchester derby could be perfect test for United's new partnership

It could be a case of high risk, high reward for Manchester United when they face City in the first Manchester derby of the season this weekend.

While recent performances haven't been pretty, United head into the match on the back of three consecutive wins, with confidence and momentum slowly building after a tricky start to the campaign.

United's winning run could give them the self-belief they need to record another famous win on Sunday afternoon, but even more important will be the tactical approach that Erik ten Hag looks to adopt.

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The Dutchman is still looking to improve United's ability to control matches, with a focus on pressing high and keeping the ball better, though right now, his side are still a work in progress and often play their best football when they can sit back and hurt teams on the break.

That very approach proved to be the catalyst when United defeated City at Old Trafford back in January, and it would be little surprise to see United adopt a pragmatic style again this weekend.

It also seems likely we will see either Mason Mount or Bruno Fernandes used on the right wing to give United more defensive support, and it could also see Ten Hag properly unleash his new partnership in midfield too.

The United manager was desperate for his side to sign another defensive midfielder in the summer, not only to cover for Casemiro but to give him the option of playing with a double pivot of holding midfielders in bigger matches.

"It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another six, a holding midfielder, in the squad because through the season you need