Pep Guardiola explains Man City team news decision for Manchester United clash

Pep Guardiola has explained why winger Jeremy Doku got the nod against Manchester United having been a substitute for the past two weeks.

Doku replaced Matheus Nunes from the side that beat Bournemouth 1-0 last week. He hasn't started in a City team that has won in the league since the victory over Everton on February 10.

"Jeremy has been amazing this season, especially before the injury," the head coach said ahead of kick-off. He then explained that injured winger Jack Grealish was on the road to recovery. "Step-by-step he is coming back, for the injury from Jack," he added.

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"We need, just in case we arrive in the final third, the quality to make the dribble and he [Doku] has this quality."

Doku was picked alongside Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva in the City XI behind Erling Haaland. He is yet to score in 2024, though, and has only managed one since the opening month of the season domestically.

The 21-year-old started his career at the Etihad Stadium sharply but has struggled to find the same rhythm since being out for four weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Grealish, on the other hand, has had a handful of fitness problems of late. "I don't think [he will be back before the internationals]," the boss said ahead of the derby. "I haven't spoken to the doctors but I think he has to recover well to use him as much as possible. We have an alternative. Setbacks in life are always there, it is how you overcome them."

Grealish was taken off against the Cherries having also picked up a knock during the Champions League victory over Copenhagen