As a result of the postponement of their match against Leeds United at Old Trafford, Manchester United's men's squad will be idle for a second consecutive week. The team coached by Erik ten Hag has not competed in the Premier League for the past two weeks and will have to wait an additional two weeks before facing City when they have their chance to get back in the game.

The international break will, at the very least, provide numerous crucial players with the opportunity to stay match sharp during the course of the upcoming week. Many of these players will be competing to demonstrate why they should be chosen in their respective squads for the 2017 World Cup.

After a frantic beginning to the season, the remaining players will enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation before heading back to Carrington to resume their rigorous training under the watchful eye of Ten Hag.

The Dutchman has previously disclosed that during the upcoming international break, he plans to explore long-term transfer targets and begin to build the groundwork for any potential pursuits in the following year. However, that won't be the only thing he'll be up to in the future. In addition, during the two-week break, five injured players will have the opportunity to make a full recovery, which will provide them with the possibility to compete for a starting position once they are once again physically capable of doing so.

This is of utmost significance because Manchester United's upcoming game, which will take place on the road against City, is anticipated to be their most challenging contest of the season up to this point. In order for them to achieve a successful outcome in this contest, they will need to perform at the highest possible level.

Before training, Erik Ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo joke around with one another.

During the first team training session for Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo joke around before and after the workout, as well as at other times.

Ten Hag is going to need to play his best lineup in order to get something out of the game, which means he now has two weeks to decide on his lineup and figure up a strategy to attempt to defeat Pep Guardiola's team.

Ten Hag prefers a more expansive style of play that sees his side embrace their own attacking flair, rather than setting up solely to nullify that of their opponents. In recent seasons, United have had a tendency to favor a counter-attacking approach when facing their noisy neighbors. This trend has continued in recent seasons.

It means that, if they are blessed with a completely fit squad, Manchester United will almost certainly set up with the same back-four that has been so essential in the first few weeks of the season, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the center of it. Diogo Dalot has been dominant in the right back position, and Tyrell Malacia has shown his mettle in the most important contests, such as those against Liverpool and Arsenal.

In the middle of the pitch, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes will both get the nod to start the game. Casemiro or Scott McTominay will most likely battle it out for the other starting spot in the midfield.

A front line consisting of Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial also appears to be Ten Hag's preferred tactic; however, this would depend on the Frenchman getting to full fitness in time for the encounter.

If he is still unavailable, then it is possible that Marcus Rashford will be asked to play the central role once more. Cristiano Ronaldo is a more obvious option for a striker, but he has only managed to score one goal so far this season. Marcus Rashford has the potential to score more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo.