With things getting tight in the race for the top four with just under a month to go in the Premier League calendar, Thursday nights clash between Manchester City and Manchester United has much more than just bragging rights attached to it.
With Pep Guardiola’s side out of Premier League action over the weekend, losing to Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final, United’s 2-0 win over Burnley moved Jose Mourinho’s men to within a point of their city rivals meaning a win could see them finally break into the top four for the first time since September.
It was Manchester City who started the Red Devils on their poor run to drop out of the Champions League places early in the season with a 2-1 at Old Trafford and they must now do the same on their own patch to keep their top four hopes in check.
However, there is a boost for those in the red half of the city as Mourinho has confirmed two key players will be available at The Etihad.
Mourinho says Valencia is ready to return for #MUFC on Thursday. Asked if Pogba and Herrera are fit, the boss replied: "Paul no, Ander yes." pic.twitter.com/tGGuhLlfZI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 26, 2017
Despite losing Paul Pogba, United fans will be delighted to see Man of the Match from their win over Chelsea, and a firm candidate for their Player of the Season award, Ander Herrera in the starting XI at The Etihad.