Manchester United could add two players to their strongest squad ahead of Man City clash

Man United return to Premier League action this Sunday when they travel across the city to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium

Lisandro Martinez (centre) pictured during Manchester United's pre-season tour of the US(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United return to Premier League action this Sunday aware that the stakes of this Manchester derby could not be higher for the two clubs contesting it.

Both Manchester City and United have endured mixed starts to the season and they are both in desperate need of a big, positive result to lift their campaign. Arguably, the Reds have marginally less pressure on themselves than Pep Guardiola's men.

United sit above City in the table and they know that a draw, while not the triumphant bragging rights that supporters crave, would be a positive result away from home. However, there is every reason for Reds fans to feel confident they can pick up all three points.

City find themselves with an injury crisis heading into the fixture and United know that if Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot's injuries have cleared up, they shall be able to field Ruben Amorim's first choice team this weekend. What's more, United have two players who could be added to their strongest squad as soon as Sunday to boost their chances further.

Defence may be one of the strongest areas of the pitch for United. The Reds are starting to look more comfortable in the three at the back system with their centre halves suiting Amorim's vision.

But add to that selection dilemma Lisandro Martinez and suddenly it looks even stronger still. The Argentine has been out of action since February and there are no definite signs that he will be fit to make the squad against City.

However, he has been back on the grass at Carrington and the hope is that he will not be too far off a return to the matchday squad. Were he be available for the derby, he would likely be among the substitutes at the Etihad Stadium taking Ayden Heaven's place in the squad.

While potentially harsh on Heaven, Martinez has proven time and again that he gets United and has the right mentality to represent the club. Just having his voice back in the dressing room would be a huge lift for the club and undoubtedly make United stronger.

From one area that has been coping well to another which hasn't - the goalkeeping department. Andre Onana is set to depart for Trabzonspor meaning his place will need to be taken in the squad.

Fortunately, Senne Lammens was signed to replace the Cameroonian and it will be interesting to see if he is thrown in at the deep end or not on Sunday. Altay Bayindir has been the first choice in the Premier League this season but he has already made mistakes that have questioned his entitlement to start.

Will Lammens be given the nod to start? Time will tell but the Belgian could well be handed a place in his first matchday squad at United for the game, even if he starts on the bench.

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