Following the conclusion of the international break, Manchester United will travel to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City in the Premier League. Manchester United will be looking to extend their winning streak in the league to a fifth straight game.

United, who were defeated 4-1 on their most recent visit to the blue side of city, posted a fourth straight league win over a fortnight ago by defeating current table-toppers Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford. This victory gave United their fourth consecutive league win. It was a statement victory for Erik ten Hag's side, which indicates that they will fancy their chances of going toe-to-toe with City in a little over a week's time.

However, United's hopes of maintaining their recent momentum in the league were derailed by the unfortunate postponements of their scheduled clashes with Crystal Palace and Leeds United earlier this month. In spite of this, Ten Hag was able to field a more formidable team than he had originally intended to against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League match that took place on Thursday night.

Even though he had to leave some players behind due to injury complaints, the Dutchman was able to select players for the trip to Moldova from a large pool of players because of the large number of players available. Marcus Rashford, who came into the game having already scored three goals in the league this season, was forced to sit out due to a muscle injury. Other key players, including Luke Shaw, Donny van de Beek, and Anthony Martial, were also unable to play due to injury or suspension.

Having this information in mind, the international break may have come at a good time for United, giving them the opportunity to try and recover some of their injured players in advance of a period that is going to be very demanding. Having said that, MEN's Sport has taken a detailed look at Manchester United's strongest available line-up, assuming that everyone is healthy and able to be selected for the match.

The Spaniard has been given the nod between the posts by Ten Hag in each of United's eight matches across all competitions so far this season, solidifying his position as the team's first choice goalkeeper. After having a poor showing in the 4-0 thrashing at Brentford a month ago, he has responded by keeping three clean sheets in his last six games and only allowing three goals during that span.

Defence - Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia

Given their current play, the back four will choose themselves. Ten Hag has not slowed down one bit since the aforementioned quartet started together for the first time in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Martinez and Malacia have benefited from Varane's guidance as they adjust to life in the Premier League as he has solidified his position as United's defensive leader. In recent weeks, Dalot has also shown significant growth, becoming an essential component of Ten Hag's gameplay.

Midfield - Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes

Although Ten Hag has decided to keep Scott McTominay in the starting lineup for the time being, it is widely believed that Casemiro will eventually displace McTominay and earn a spot in the preferred starting eleven of Ten Hag. This is despite the fact that Casemiro has been kept out of the side for the time being. Since joining the club a month ago after signing a deal with Real Madrid, the 30-year-old has only made one start, which came in the Europa League match against Real Sociedad.

Both Eriksen and Fernandes have established themselves as starters in the middle of the field ahead of him as a result of their outstanding play in the most recent games. Eriksen has become undroppable.

Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho are the attackers.

The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo is the proverbial elephant in the room. Does Ten Hag start him or not? Although he scored his first goal of the season while deputizing for Rashford in the game against Sheriff, you can bet that Rashford will be back in the starting lineup for the game against City if he is healthy enough to do so.

As evidenced by the game against Arsenal, Ten Hag favors a quick and fluid front three, and one that features Rashford, supported by Antony and Sancho either side, has the potential to do damage. Right now, Rashford is playing exceptionally well and has earned the right to keep his starting spot.