Manchester United strongest XI for top-four race amid Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo struggles

The pressure is being ramped up on Ralf Rangnick after Manchester United's humiliating derby defeat to Man City at the weekend. The 4-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium served as another glaring reminder of just how far behind United are to their rivals, and how much work needs to be done before they can challenge for the Premier League again.

United also fell out of the top four at the weekend after Arsenal's win over Watford, while fellow challengers Tottenham made their own case with a 5-0 thrashing of Everton on Monday night. Next up for United is a home match with Spurs this weekend, and Rangnick knows he will need to get his tactics spot on for another defining moment in their season.

Team selection will be crucial once again, but just who should be in United's strongest XI at the moment based on current form? The Manchester Evening News take a look.

READ MORE: Manchester United selections causing unrest among players with teammate dubbed a 'teacher's pet'

Goalkeeper - De Gea

An easy choice in goal. David de Gea has probably been United's best player throughout the season and deserves to remain No. 1 for the rest of the campaign.

Dean Henderson has every right to feel sorry for himself given this was supposed to be his breakthrough season at Old Trafford, but he can't have any complaints about being behind the Spaniard on current form.

Defence - Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw

This one will be the most controversial. Let's start with full-backs though. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was probably the worst player on the pitch at the weekend, and Diogo Dalot deserves to start ahead of him. Luke Shaw has been out-of-form on the left but is still well ahead of Alex Telles in terms of ability.

When fit, Raphael Varane is by far the