Fans can't believe Luke Shaw will be marking Erling Haaland as teams are announced

Fans can't believe Luke Shaw will be marking Erling Haaland in today's Manchester derby after the team news was announced.

Shaw has been deputising at centre-back in recent weeks but got the nod ahead of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.

But he now has the almighty task of dealing with the Norwegian man mountain, who has hit 21 goals in his first 16 Premier League games.

And though Shaw has been performing well, fans fear for him against Haaland, who hit a hat-trick in his Manchester derby debut earlier in the season.

One fan wrote: "Luke Shaw vs Erling Haaland will be a mismatch but I'm happy to be proven otherwise."

A second said: "I am not sure that Shaw versus Haaland is a good idea..."

A third commented: Shaw cb against haaland... Ten Hag really learnt his overthinking too from Pep.."

A fourth added: "Shaw at centre back up against haaland. Dry Jan ain't making it past 2pm."

A fifth opined: "Haaland surely just pins himself to Luke Shaw and bullies him all afternoon?"

Raphael Varane partners the England international at the heart of the defence, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia lining up as full-backs.

The other major surprise for United is the inclusion of Fred, who slots into midfield alongside compatriot Casemiro.

Anthony Martial is fit to start and Marcus Rashford operates on the left flank, with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen tasked with creating the chances.

City are looking bounce back from the dismal 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat against Southampton but are without in-form defender John Stones.

Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are the preferred centre-back pairing, with Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo completing the defence.

Rodri returns to the midfield, with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne also back in. Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden support Haaland in attack.

Just four points separate the two sides in the table, with a win for United moving them just a point behind City.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, Erling Haaland

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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