Ruben Dias Names the Manchester United Player He Fears Most Ahead of Derby Showdown

As Manchester City prepare to host Manchester United in a highly anticipated derby clash at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, City defender Ruben Dias has candidly revealed the one Red Devil he dreads facing on the pitch.

Surprisingly, it’s neither Bruno Fernandes nor Alejandro Garnacho, but another player whose creativity and vision have left a lasting impression.

Dias confessed: “He is the only Man United player I’m afraid to face on Sunday. His tricky passes can ruin a player’s market value.”

The Portuguese center-back’s statement has added an intriguing subplot to a match that promises high stakes for both teams.

City’s Struggles Continue
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City come into the game on the back of a rough patch, with their midweek Champions League loss to Juventus compounding their woes.

With just one win in their last ten outings across all competitions, including a shocking 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon under United’s current manager Ruben Amorim, City are far from their best form.

Guardiola will take solace in the return of Mateo Kovacic to training, though Rodri remains sidelined, and Rico Lewis will be absent due to suspension.

Stefan Ortega is likely to continue in goal after Ederson’s recent exclusion from league matches.

United Seek Redemption Under Amorim
On the other hand, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are grappling with inconsistency. Consecutive league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have dampened the optimism surrounding Amorim’s appointment.

However, a Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen has provided a morale boost, with Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo delivering impactful performances.

Mason Mount, who impressed against Plzen, could push for a starting spot in the derby. On the injury front, United are in better shape than they’ve been recently, with Luke Shaw as the only notable absentee.

Predicted Lineups
Manchester City XI:
Ortega; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Bernardo, Gundogan, Savio; De Bruyne, Doku, Haaland

Manchester United XI:
Onana; Yoro, de Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes, Hojlund

The derby promises to be a fiery encounter, with both teams desperate to turn their fortunes around.

All eyes will be on the enigmatic Manchester United player who has captured Ruben Dias’s attention—and the challenge he poses to City’s defense.