Manchester Derby: The Worst XI
It's derby day in Manchester. Louis van Gaal's United host Manuel Pellegrini's flagging City. As is common with such matches, many have presented their version of a Best XI from both teams. We've decided to name a lineup with the worst from both teams.
GK: David de Gea (United)
We can already hear the knives being sharpened for this controversial choice, but the Spaniard's recent form – including a Massimo Taibi-esque gaffe against Aston Villa – means he takes this spot ahead of an in-form Joe Hart.
RB: Antonio Valencia (United)
It could be seen as harsh to put someone played out of position on this list. Somehow Van Gaal think's he's doing something right – Valencia has been mostly first-choice this season – or maybe he's convinced an amazing right back is about to blossom. But the fans aren't convinced and Valencia is easily United's weakest link. He even apologised to the fans last month for helping the team get dumped from the FA Cup.
CB: Vincent Kompany (City)
How the mighty have fallen. Once considered one the best central defenders in the world, the City captain's game is so strewn with errors these days that he could be easy pickings for his red-hot United counterpart, Wayne Rooney.
CB: Eliaquim Mangala (City)
Porto must be laughing all the way to the bank. When he plays, Mangala looks more like British football's most expensive mistake rather than its costliest defender. City fans should be thankful that he's unlikely start.
LB: Luke Shaw (United)
Once the heir apparent of Patrice Evra. But since his move following an impressive season at Southampton, the English teenager has been dogged by injury. He's failed to find any rhythm at United.On the bright side, at least time is on his side.
RM: Jesus Navas (City)
When it comes to faulting Navas, no major crime stands out. But he has yet to deliver that promised exciting wing play and makes things happen, the Spaniard can't afford to just be a passenger. - especially in a high octane match like the Manchester Derby.
CM: Yaya Toure (City)
Lethargic and ineffective, the towering Ivorian is a shadow of his former self this season. After seemingly ducking out to allow Jason Puncheon to score Crystal Palace's winner last week, it looks as if Toure is no longer as committed to the City cause as he was at his marauding best.
CM: Angel di Maria (United)
While his deployment in multiple positions has not been his fault, di Maria looks bereft of the poise and confidence that convinced United to shell out a British record transfer fee. At least he is still the league's second best in assists with 10.
LM: Adnan Januzaj (United)
This does not feel like the player that rose to prominence amid the disastrous reign of David Moyes. Even when called upon by van Gaal, Januzaj has failed to impress this season. Another flash in the pan?
ST: Stevan Jovetic (City)
Once one of Serie A's brightest prospects. Today, Jovetic does not even figure in Manuel Pellegrini's Champions League plan, as he was omitted from their squad list. The Montenegrin's time at the Etihad looks to be up.
ST: Robin van Persie (United)
It was a toss up between RVP and Radamel Falcao. But on second look, it was clear. The powers that helped van Persie fire United to the title two seasons ago, are deserting him. Falcao still has a chance to regain the form that made him one of the most coveted strikers in the world. But as he's turning 32, Van Persie's decline could be terminal.
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