Former Manchester City midfielder Trevor Sinclair believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could spring a huge surprise with his Manchester United team later today.
Raphael Varane’s injury has seemingly limited the United boss’ options for derby day, with the Frenchman out for a month with a hamstring strain.
Victor Lindelof could also be a doubt, although Solskjaer has said he expects the Swede to be fit for the weekend.
Eric Bailly would be expected to start if Solskjaer chooses to continue with a back three following the midweek draw with Atalanta in the Champions League, although Lindelof’s absence would likely rule that out.
Sinclair though believes the United boss could spring a major surprise and pick Scott McTominay to play in a back three.
The midfielder has played in defence previously for United, under former manager Jose Mourinho, and has filled a similar role while on international duty with Scotland.
And Sinclair is adamant that, regardless of Lindelof’s fitness, Solskjaer will once again side with a back three, even if it means playing one of his midfielders in there.
“I think Ole will go back to a three, or a five depending on whether they’re in or out of possession,” Sinclair told talkSPORT.
“The performance against Spurs, I think that would’ve given him a lot of encouragement. I think the performance midweek against Atalanta and the fact they were all over the gaff, he might be deterred from playing that system.
“I think McTominay could do a job in there, and he could play maybe Matic (in midfield), or maybe even Matic at the back.
“You’d have to make sure he’s not isolated with pace, because if he is he’ll get absolutely ruined.”
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