GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City)
The Italian stopper has yet to make an appearance for City, yet walks into this combined XI. Having been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer, Donnarumma made the surprise move to City. Ederson was the archetypal ‘Pep’ goalkeeper, in that he was comfortable in possession with the ball at his feet. Donnarumma represents a different profile of goalkeeper entirely; an old-school shot stopper who commands his area. City’s backline will take time to adapt to the new man between the sticks, but he is still among the best goalkeepers in the world, comfortably ahead of Altay Bayindir and Senne Lammens.
Honourable mention: James Trafford
RB: Diogo Dalot (Man United)
Diogo Dalot is a dependable, versatile presence in the United backline. Whilst he will not dominate the headlines, Dalot has become one of United’s most consistent performers. Once seen as a rotation option, he’s developed into a modern full-back who offers both defensive stability and attacking contribution.
Honourable mention: Matheus Nunes
RCB: Ruben Dias (Man City)
Still one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League on his day. He combines both an imposing physical presence with an elite defensive intelligence and game awareness. Struggled with injury during the middle of the 2024/25 season, but has since started every game.
Honourable mention: Matthijs de Ligt
LCB: Joško Gvardiol (Man City)
One of the most unique players in the league. Equally comfortable at centre-back and left-back, Gvardiol is composed on the ball, doesn’t dive in and is effective in both boxes. Would be an asset to any squad in Europe.
Honourable mention: Leny Yoro
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri (Man City)
The Algerian is an experienced Premier League full-back, despite only being 24. Signed from Wolves, Aït-Nouri was signed to slot into Guardiola’s possession-based build up play. One of his standout traits at Wolves was his ability to glide past opponents in tight spaces. City now have another defender who can break lines with progressive runs.
Honourable mentions: Patrick Dorgu
RCM: Tijjani Reijnders (Man City)
The closest Pep will find to a Gundogan-regen. Reijnders impressed in Serie A with his all-round game. Not only does he have an engine on him, Reijnders is progressive with his passing and confident driving forward on the ball. A goal and assist on his league debut was the dream start.
Honourable mentions: Kobbie Mainoo
CDM: Rodri (Man City)
Much was made of Rodri’s absence and the effect it had on City last year. His return doesn’t guarantee the three points, but his absence certainly weakens Guardiola’s side. The best midfielder in the Premier League – he has it all.
Honourable mentions: Casemiro
LCM: Bruno Fernandes (Man United)
United’s best player over the last half-decade. Without his goals, assists and sheer will to win, relegation could have been a genuine concern for Manchester United. Whilst he isn’t a natural fit into Amorim’s system, his consistent output earns him a space in the XI.
Honourable mentions: Bernardo Silva
RW: Bryan Mbeumo (Man United)
Manchester United’s attack has lacked consistency in recent seasons, and the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford is designed to fix that. The Cameroon international arrives off the back of a 20-goal Premier League season, bringing direct pace, clever movement and a proven eye for goal.
Honourable mentions: Oscar Bobb
ST: Erling Haaland (Man City)
Few players have made the kind of impact Erling Haaland has since arriving in the Premier League. The Norwegian number 9 is a relentless finisher with an intimidating physical presence and raw turn of pace. If Haaland has service, he will score.
Honourable mentions: Benjamin Šeško
LW: Matheus Cunha (Man United)
One of three expensive attacking reinforcements United made over the summer. Whilst he is yet to find the back of the net for his new club, Cunha has impressed with the ball at his feet. A missed penalty against Grimsby wasn’t an ideal start to life at Old Trafford, but he was far from the only player embarrassed from the humiliation.
Honourable mention: Omar Marmoush
