Manchester United vs Manchester City Confirmed Lineups: Ibrahimovic, Pogba start while Mkhitaryan not included in the matchday squad

Jose Mourinho has opted to field a strengthened team for the round of 16 EFL Cup tie against Manchester City

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, despite playing week-in-week-out for the Red Devils, has been named as the striker for this crunch derby encounter. Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata will give United width, while Pogba will operate in the hole behind Ibrahimovic.

Club veteran Michael Carrick has been handed a start and will look to command the midfield alongside Ander Herrera. In Eric Bailly’s absence, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind will operate as centre-backs. Henrikh Mkhitaryan continues to be left in the shadows as he has not been named in the eighteen man squad for the game.

For the visitors, Pep Guardiola has stuck to his words and has fielded a relatively inexperienced side against a strong United team. 19-year-old Pablo Maffeo has been named in the starting eleven and is expected to ply his trade as a right-back.

Aleix Garcia has been given a rare shot to redeem himself as he will form a midfield trio alongside Nolito and Fernando. Leroy Sane and Jesus Navas will operate as wingers with Kelechi Iheanacho leading the line for the Citizens.