The Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are getting a little excited for the first Manchester Derby of the season.

After Paul Pogba’s sending off against Arsenal, our landlord thinks Mourinho will have to resort to a plan B to topple the run away leaders of the Premier League at the moment. Missing the influential Frenchman will be a bitter blow in a match that could go either way and one that could define a season.

United welcome City to an unbeaten streak stretching 40 matches at home while Mourinho aims to make Old Trafford the fortress it once was, however, City come to their bitter rivals unbeaten all season despite some close calls and scoring freely.

Our regulars think this could be a match that could see the pendulum swing in United’s favour with a win and closing the gap to five points or with a City win, extending the lead to 11 and putting clear breathing space between them and there closest challengers.

Mourinho will be looking to one of his squad to step up to the plate and blaze a trail of glory on Sunday…

Jesse Lingard

In recent weeks, Lingard has been the man in form with some fine displays and a couple of well-taken goals. Mourinho trusts Lingard to do the job he sets out for him, his unselfish style and ability to see space where others don’t, making him a popular figure.

That gives him the chance to offer something a little different to the boss, despite the competition for places. He’ll be hoping to continue this rich vein of form.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

The Armenian will be looking to get back in Mourinho’s good books with a decent display. Having been rested in recent weeks and coming under a little fire for his performance levels declining over the past months, Mkhitaryan needs to start upping the game and there’s no better place than a derby to get fired up for.

Clearly a huge talent, it’s time for the former Borussia Dortmund man to shine.

Marcus Rashford

There’s not a lot the young English star can do wrong in the eyes of the United fans but putting in a Man of the Match performance against their local rivals would elevate his standing among the Old Trafford faithful even more.

Maybe letting Rashford in a free role behind the striker would cause the sometimes vulnerable Man City back line a lot of headaches.