Owen Hargreaves explains Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes roles in Man United clash with Man City

Owen Hargreaves has explained why he thinks both Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have been named in the Manchester United starting XI for their clash with Man City.

United are playing without a recognised centre-forward, with Cristiano Ronaldo out of the side due to a hip flexor issue and Marcus Rashford on the bench. Speaking to beIN SPORTS ahead of the match, Hargreaves admitted he was surprised that both Pogba and Fernandes were starting the game.

He explained: "I am surprised that both Bruno and Pogba are playing together. He has gone with two defensive midfield players so maybe Paul plays out wide on the left and Bruno as the false nine.

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"I am interested to see how it plays out because at Old Trafford they were humiliated - even the Manchester United fans sat next to me were questioning what was going on. Maybe that is why he [Ralf Rangnick] is playing Bruno and Paul because he knows they are the best passers of the ball and he knows they are the ones who can pick the ball up.

"We have seen in transitions that United at the Etihad have been dangerous so that is probably how it is going to play out. But if City score first, it could be a long day for Manchester United."

Manchester United slipped out of the top four before today's game after Arsenal beat Watford 3-2. United will be hoping to leapfrog them again with a victory against their fierce rivals.

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