How Hojlund and Doku can impact their first Manchester derby

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 10.

Player analysis: Rasmus Hojlund (Man Utd) & Jeremy Doku (Man City)

Summer signing Hojlund has scored all three of his Manchester United goals in the UEFA Champions League, going 420 minutes without netting in the Premier League.

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It is only a matter of time before the gifted 20-year-old striker enters a hot streak.

Quick and strong, he has shown he can be a real handful for defenders and his track record suggests that finishing is not going to be an issue for him.

This type of fixture, against Manchester City on Sunday, could suit Hojlund down to the ground.

With less possession than normal at Old Trafford, his team-mates will need him to back into defenders and bring others into play so that United can gain territory.

But it is his threat on the counter-attack which stands out most.

His two goals against Galatasaray both came from fast breaks, where United created 2v2s that allowed him to use his blistering speed.

We know that if Man City do have any defensive frailties, they are usually exposed by longer forward passes, direct attacks and counters.

Hojlund’s running power will take him away from many of the champions’ defenders if his team can set up those breakaway scenarios for him.

Fastest Man Utd players 23/24

Hojlund, like Doku, has not experienced derby day before, but with the right kind of service, he unquestionably has the tools to make an impact in his first one.

Doku: City’s new line breaker

Man Utd's full-backs will have to ready themselves for a new and incredibly challenging examination - trying to handle flying winger Doku.

The 21-year-old Belgian has been in phenomenal form, making a mockery of the longstanding viewpoint that it takes time for Man City’s signings to settle under the tactically demanding Pep Guardiola.

Out of possession his positioning and work rate have satisfied his new manager, who must be thrilled with the added dimension Doku has provided.

He can play on either wing, but so far, he has been used predominantly as a left-sided forward.

Doku will hug the touchline as often as possible, waiting for City to switch passes to him for 1v1s.

His first goal for the club against West Ham United, a wonderful solo effort in which he dribbled into the box before finishing with aplomb, came from this type of situation. 

His brilliant assist for Julian Alvarez’s opener against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend was trademark Doku.

Doku's highlights v Brighton 

Receiving the ball out wide, his City team-mates move away to leave him alone in 1v1s.

Brilliant at shifting the ball from one foot to the other, always prepared to throw in a shimmy or body swerve and boasting electric acceleration, Doku is a defender’s nightmare.

His top speed of 34.99 km/h is the fastest of any City player this season, including perennial speedster Kyle Walker.

The stats suggest he is the Premier League’s best dribbler and anyone who has watched Doku perform so far this season would not disagree.

Most dribbles/ball carries

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*Min 5 starts, per 90 minutes

In possession, City want to stretch the pitch and make it feel as big as possible and in the shape of Doku, they now have a player who can penetrate defences with his speed and skill.

Crucially, his decision-making from advanced areas, often cutting the ball back from the byline, is excellent.

Only two Premier League players average more key passes in open play per 90 minutes.

Most chances created and touches in opp. box*

*Min 5 starts, per 90 minutes

Whether he starts this match or comes off the bench, Doku has the ability and confidence to be an influential figure in his maiden Manchester derby.