As Manchester United gears up to face Manchester City in an electrifying Premier League clash this Sunday, all eyes are on manager Ruben Amorim and his unexpected team selections.

Amorim has opted to start Manuel Ugarte in midfield, emphasizing his exceptional pressing abilities as a key factor in the match against a dynamic City side. Despite his rocky start earlier in the season, including a half-time substitution in a Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby and being benched against Burnley, Ugarte has earned his place back in the squad for this crucial derby.

In addition to Ugarte, the match will mark the full Premier League debut of rising star Benjamin Sesko, while goalkeeper Altay Bayindir continues to retain his spot, leaving Senne Lammens on the sidelines.

Speaking candidly to Sky Sports, Amorim highlighted the strategic importance of Ugarte's role, stating, "City is a team that frequently changes positions. We need someone with agility who can press effectively, and Manu provides that edge." He also hinted at the fluid tactics he plans to employ, suggesting a strategic move where Bruno Fernandes might operate from the left, influenced by recent performances from Amad, who has showcased his versatility playing both as a forward and a midfielder.

Amorim acknowledged the pressure that comes with the need to win, saying, "We must recover our winning mentality. Each game is a test, and while we've maintained consistency this season, we still need to capitalize on our scoring opportunities and improve our set-pieces. This league often opens up through set-pieces, so we're aware of the challenges City presents."

As excitement builds for this high-stakes encounter, United fans are eager to see if Amorim's bold decisions will pay off on the pitch against their arch-rivals.