MANCHESTER (Sporting Alert) — Manchester United has recalled Rio Ferdinand to play alongside Phil Jones in the center of the backline for tonight’s Manchester derby clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford.
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Ferdinand comes in to take the place of Michael Carrick, who has moved back into his main position at central midfield, with Tom Cleverley coming in to play alongside him.
Danny Welbeck has also been recalled with Ashley Young and Shinji Kagawa also making way.
For Manchester City, captain and leading defender Vincent Kompany returns from suspension to lead the backline, while Edin Dzeko starts on his own in the attack.
David Silva, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Samir Nasri all start as well for the Citizens, who are looking to complete the sweep over their arch city rivals this season.
Manchester United starting XI: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Carrick, Cleverley, Fellaini; Mata, Welbeck, Rooney.
Manchester City starting XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany (C), Demichelis, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Nasri, Silva, Navas, Dzeko.
