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Manchester City host Manchester United on Thursday night in a Manchester derby that could well be the deciding factor in this season’s race for Champions League qualification. Separated marginally in the Premier League table, victory, draw or defeat for either side could respectively cement or end their chances of making it into the top four.

With that in mind and so little to choose between both sides at this moment in time, we asked City fans earlier this week to vote for which Red Devils stars they’d like to see Pep Guardiola daringly swoop for in the coming transfer window. The results of our exclusive poll are now in, so here’s a rundown of the top three…

3. Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera was once considered little more than your run-of-the-mill Spanish playmaker, capable of keeping play ticking over nicely but rarely proving the difference in United’s quests for victory. The arrival of Jose Mourinho last summer, however, has transformed Herrera into a tenacious ball-winner, actually boasting the most interceptions of any Premier League midfielder this season despite making only 24 starts in the top flight. City’s midfield lacks that aggression when Fernandinho’s not in the side, but the most appealing factor is that the 27-year-old would add industriousness to Guardiola’s engine room whilst being able to keep up with the Citizens’ technically-demanding attacking play.

2. David De Gea

The goalkeeping department has been a problem area for Manchester City all season, so perhaps it’s no surprise David De Gea made the top three in our poll. Whilst Claudio Bravo and Willy Caballero have gone from calamity to calamity with few grace-saving performances in between, the Red Devils No.1 has been his usual top-class self, ranking joint-top of the Premier League’s clean sheets chart whilst making 47 saves in 31 appearances. Handy with his feet, too, the Spain international would be perfect for the way Pep Guardiola wants his side to play.

1. Eric Bailly

With Vincent Kompany plagued by injuries, Nicolas Otamendi struggling to convince, John Stones still learning the ropes and attacking full-back Aleksandar Kolarov asked to fill in at the heart of defence for much of the season, City simply must sign another centre-back this summer. Unfortunately, however, it seems unlikely United will be surrendering the winner of our poll, Eric Bailly, to their Manchester rivals any time soon. It’s not all been smooth sailing for the Ivory Coast international during his first season at Old Trafford but he’s demonstrated an exciting mix of physicality, composure and aggression throughout the campaign. He seems like a real star in the making and will likely be Jose Mourinho’s first-choice at the back next season.

Results

Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard performed well above any expectations against Chelsea on Sunday. Whether Jose Mourinho really was resting Zlatan Ibrahimovic or not, his team selection worked emphatically. Comparisons to Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole’s prolific partnership were a little over-the-top, but Rashford and Lingard worked in a duo to produce a dynamic attacking performance better than any from Manchester United this season.

Rashford was occupying three or four Chelsea defenders at a time. A poor display from the Blues was epitomised by their difficulties dealing with not only Rashford’s well publicised pace, but his devastating upper body power too. Lingard drifted across the pitch, creating holes in the Chelsea defence that Rashford decisively exposed with well-timed bursts of speed. It was a textbook match of forward play between the two, given the freedom to play wherever they felt could be most detrimental to Chelsea.

Looking on from the bench was Manchester United’s top scorer and one of the best players in a generation: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Having scored the majority of the club’s goals this season and carrying a reputation greater than anyone else at the club, the Swede’s exclusion was presumed to be a rest ahead of another vital Europa League match this Thursday.

Having once again failed to put the tie to bed in the first leg, United bring Anderlecht to Old Trafford with the tie on the brink at 1-1. Ibrahimovic – whose future is not yet confirmed with murmurings of a move to MLS this summer – has been the club’s clear player of the season. With Chelsea’s vulnerability against height, the Blues would have been delighted to see the 6′ 5″ centre forward chatting away on the bench before kick-off.

What followed, however, could do a rare thing. It could cast doubt into the mind of Mourinho. Few managers can boast the same self-confidence and assertiveness as the Portuguese serial winner, but even he must be wondering if Rashford and Lingard are the forwards he must be prioritising ahead of a must-win European clash.

Two Mancunian academy graduates dominating against the league leaders gave the club a lift it needed. Rashford’s status as boy wonder has returned, while Lingard’s role in the squad needed reaffirming after he signed a monster contract. Even Mourinho must be tempted by the romanticism of it all.

Ibrahimovic, though, is still one of the world’s best strikers. His record this season – despite missed chances – speaks for itself. Rashford may have proved himself in the pressure situations already in his career, but he does not have the same track record as the former Barcelona man when it comes to the tensest of moments, particularly in front of an expectant Old Trafford crowd with Champions League qualification potentially on the line.

A front two pairing may be the answer for this often uptight Manchester United attack, but there is no doubt of Ibrahimovic’s value. The Swede has a vital role to play, even if it is only for the remainder of this campaign.

With the title race hotting up, Chelsea fans are expecting their team to put in a massive performance away to Everton this afternoon.

It’s one of their toughest tests left this season and slipping up could open the door for Tottenham Hotspur to close the gap on Antonio Conte’s side further.

After being in such a dominant position all season, it’s incomprehensible for fans to consider that they may fall at the last hurdle and relinquish their grip on the English Premier League.

Conte has done a fantastic job repairing the dreadful season last term but the next month will define his first season in charge. If it goes wrong, many will forget about all the good work done.

Everton have been superb throughout the season and present a very tough task for the Blues. Romelu Lukaku is expected to put the Chelsea defence and goalkeeper through a hard workout.

With everything on the line, supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts before kick-off…

According to reports on Yahoo Sports, Tottenham Hotspur have opened negotiations with Juventus defender Dani Alves over a move to the north London outfit this summer.

With Kyle Walker’s future at the club still uncertain after he has been heavily linked with moves to Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be looking for a new right-back.

The Argentine boss is also keen to add some experience to his squad as they came up just short in the race for the English top flight title for the second season running, and the club is said to have offered the 34-year-old a two-year deal with the option of a third.

Tottenham supporters were quick to have their say on the rumour via social media, and while some feel he would be a great signing regardless of his age, other believe there is no chance it will happen after he has become such a key man for the Champions League finalists.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

The Elland Road faithful were left in shock on Thursday after manager Garry Monk handed in his resignation to the club.

After a number of seasons of mid-table mediocrity, Monk had almost guided Leeds to play-off football, only to fall short at the end of the campaign. However, the 38-year-old was immensely popular with the supporters, who were looking forward to another season of progression with him at the helm.

Unfortunately, for reasons not yet known, the former Swansea boss saw his future away from the Yorkshire club, who are now faced with yet another managerial appointment debacle over the coming days.

The one of the early favourites for the job appears to be former Middlesbrough coach Aitor Karanka, who will likely be keen to get back into management after leaving the Riverside Stadium earlier in 2017.

Leeds fans took to social media to express their opinions on the possibility of Karanka leading the club next season.

According to reports in The Independent, Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is ready to reject Manchester United in favour of moving back to Chelsea this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Belgium international wants to leave the Toffees this summer in order to play Champions League football and compete for trophies, and he has so far refused to sign the new five-year contract – one that would make him the highest paid player in the club’s history – that he has been offered.

Even though Ronald Koeman will be desperate to keep hold of his star striker, a move away from Goodison Park is looking more and more likely with the 24-year-old said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge despite the Red Devils also registering their interest.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with their former man in recent weeks, but it was unsure whether they would be willing to pay the £100m fee the Merseyside outfit are said to be demanding for a player that scored 25 Premier League goals this term.

Is a deal likely to happen?

The Belgian’s comments on Monday suggest that a move away is close, but it is still unclear which team Lukaku could be close to joining.

According to a report on BBC Football, the striker said: “I don’t want to stay at the same level. I want to improve and I know where I want to do that.

“We are now talking to the club. I know what’s happening, but I will leave the talks to my agent.

“What I would like most is to play in the Champions League and try to win the Premier League once. Or better – a few times.”

Chelsea would prefer to pay nearer to £80m for the attacker while Everton would prefer to do a deal with United as they are interested in the likes of Red Devils duo Chris Smalling and Sergio Romero.

Should he join Chelsea over United?

Having sold him to Everton in 2014 after barely being given an opportunity at Stamford Bridge, you wouldn’t think that Lukaku would be so keen to return.

However, he has a point to prove and will be able to see that he can be the first choice striker for the Blues for many years to come with Diego Costa’s long-term future unlikely to be in west London.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, whichever team Lukaku decides to join will be making a huge statement as he has shown he guarantees goals in the Premier League over the course of the last five seasons, but agreeing a transfer fee with Everton could prove to be a sticking point.

Arsenal opened their summer transfer business on Tuesday when it was confirmed that full-back Sead Kolasinac had arrived at the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer from Schalke 04.

Kolasinac, 23, made over 120 first-team appearances for Schalke between 2012 and 2017, whilst he has earned 18 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The arrival of an exciting left-back should have been greeted with joy, but Arsenal supporters were more concerned about the potential signing of AS Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe.

It has been reported that Arsenal have made a world-record move for the 18-year-old, who is also said to be interesting the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

It would be some capture if head coach Arsene Wenger could convince the teenager to make the move to the Emirates Stadium, although it does appear that deal is still a long way off.

When Kolasinac was pictured in an Arsenal shirt on the club’s official Twiter account, it would be fair to say that the excitement was muted as the club’s supporters called for Mbappe to arrive.

Leeds United officially announced on Friday that they had completed the signing of Werder Bremen goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old looks set to battle Rob Green and Marco Silvestri for the number one spot at Elland Road next season as new Whites boss Thomas Christiansen looks to lead the Yorkshire outfit to promotion.

Wiedwald made 26 appearances in all competitions for Bremen last term as the German outfit secured an eighth-place finish in the Bundesliga, and he kept five clean sheets in those outings, conceding 51 times.

Leeds supporters were quick to have their say on the new addition via social media, and while many were delighted at the deal and are loving the amount of good news that is coming thick and fast at the moment, there were others that were concerned by the signing.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

According to reports in The Sun, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce wants Stoke City striker Peter Crouch to be his next big-money signing following the addition of John Terry last week.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, Bruce is looking to strengthen his side for a promotion push next season as the club look to secure a return to the Premier League following a disappointing 13th-place finish in the Championship last term.

Villa have already snapped up former Chelsea captain Terry and now they hope that Crouch will join him with the offer of regular first team football on the table.

However, he may not come cheap as The Sun says he isn’t willing to take a pay cut on his current £4m-a-year deal at the Britannia Stadium.

How did he do at Stoke last season?

The 36-year-old scored 10 goals and provided a further four assists in 30 appearances in all competitions, which is a pretty good record considering he started most of those on the substitutes’ bench.

Crouch will know that he is perhaps set for even less football next term under Mark Hughes though, and may consider leaving to get more time on the pitch during the twilight years of his career.

Would he be a good signing for Villa?

He certainly would be.

Crouch struggled during a previous spell with Villa between 2002 and 2004 – scoring six goals in 43 appearances in all competitions – but he has all of the right attributes to be a hit in the Championship right now.

His strength in the air will be a useful tool both from an attacking and defensive point of view, while he is almost certainly guaranteed to get goals at that level.

Would he play with Kodjia?

It’s difficult to say.

Villa spent much of last season playing with Jonathan Kodjia as the only striker on the pitch and following an outstanding campaign for the Ivory Coast international, it’s hard to see him getting dropped for Crouch.

Whether Bruce would be willing to play both is unclear, but it is certainly something to think about for Crouch if he wants to be playing more.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, there is little doubt that Bruce and Villa would be interested in Crouch, and that the striker may well be willing to link up with Terry for more regular playing time, but it remains to be seen whether he would be a guaranteed starter at Villa Park.

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Three years on from his arrival from Barcelona, the uncertainty over Bojan’s future at Stoke City after spending the second half of last season out on loan is not only an indictment on the one-time next-Messi-prodigy’s ever-stuttering career, but also the revolution in philosophy Mark Hughes brought to the Bet365 Stadium following Tony Pulis’ abrupt dismissal back in summer 2013.

Measuring in at just 5 foot 7 and famed far more for his diminutive, technical qualities than physicality or industriousness, Bojan’s move to the Potteries twelve months on from Pulis’ departure further highlighted the tactical shift between Hughes and his predecessor, whose emphasis on attritional football had taken Stoke from the depths of the Championship to the middle of the top flight but eventually proved to be the sword he fell on. The fans were bored, the board were bored and the progress had plateaued.

Hughes offered a more expansive style of play and after a solid first season in the dugout that saw Stoke record an all-time highest ninth-place finish in the Premier League, Bojan was one of the signings to further implement it – to accelerate what had been a steady, season-long transition from Pulis’ ideals to a brand of football that would make Stoke a more desirable club for fans, investors, neutrals and future signings alike.

Bojan, of course, was not alone in that regard, as Stoke City’s transfer policy transformed from signing players like Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson on free transfers to taking educated punts on players famed for but struggling to deliver on impressive technical quality. Alongside Bojan, Marko Arnautovic, Xherdan Shaqiri and Joe Allen all fall into that category – all were signed on the idea of unfulfilled potential that they’d finally reach under Hughes’ guidance.

But here’s a little misnomer about the word revolution; it’s root word isn’t revolt, rather revolve. And four years on from the revolution Hughes promised at the Potteries, in terms of results, it has indeed gone full circle. Pulis left the Potters in 13th place following an end-of-season freefall that essentially swayed opinion against him; four campaigns, a raft of quirky signings and around £89million spent in transfer fees later, Hughes’ Stoke finished last term in exactly the same position, just two points better off than at the end of 2012/13.

There are other signs of the revolution running out of steam too. Whereas investments in Bojan and Giannelli Imbula simply haven’t paid off, the slow rate of progress has pushed Arnautovic into joining one of Stoke’s closest divisional rivals in West Ham – a club the Potters should be competing with for league position, at a bare minimum, during any given season.

Likewise, for all the emphasis on more exciting, fluid and attractive football, it was the 6 foot 7, 36-year-old Peter Crouch Hughes felt forced to turn to last season as results went awry and the need to improve them took precedent over style.

Accordingly, Stoke averaged the least possession, 47.2%, and the most long-balls per match, 67, last season of any of Hughes’ four campaigns in charge, whilst their percentage of goals from open play, just 58.5%, also reached an all-time low under the Welshman. Two terms previous, it was an impressive 77%, and despite netting the same amount one term previous, 41 goals, the open play ratio was still 71%. Much like results, the balance between aesthetics and pragmatism has started to go full circle as well.

Of course, no single season should define a tenure and for all of 2016/17’s misgivings, Hughes achieved a higher Premier League finish than Pulis ever managed in three consecutive seasons whilst improving the style of play and spending comparatively less than many of the club’s divisional rivals. In that sense, the Welshman has met the board’s brief and arguably justified the controversial season to let Pulis go.

At the same time, however, last season can’t be ignored and in combination with three ninth-place finishes in a row previously, there is a feeling that the club has once again plateaued – and that the philosophical revolution under Hughes’ guidance can only take the club so far. Likewise, for all the criticism that came Pulis’ way in 2013 from not only Potters fans but also neutrals and pundits, it’s taken him less time using just £1million more to drive West Brom from 16th upon his arrival in January 2015 to 10th place last season – three positions better than Stoke, despite Hughes having an 18-month head start.

As much as it’s about results and style of play, however, Bojan’s increasing irrelevance and Arnautovic’s impending departure raise questions over Hughes’ man-management as well. Signing players famed for unreliable brilliance and in some cases notorious for mercurial mentalities, getting the best out of them was always going to rest on Hughes’ ability to motivate and discipline, to keep the likes of Bojan and Arnautovic focused. Although we’ve hardly heard bust-up horror stories coming out of the Potteries, Stoke have gained a reputation for being the most inconsistent side in the Premier League, beating Spurs away one week and losing at home to soon-to-be relegated Burnley the next – as they did in 2014/15.

Once again, judging Hughes on last season alone would be to ignore the remaining 75% of his time at Stoke, the vast majority of which saw him outperform Pulis on most criteria. But as Hughes enters the final two years of his Stoke contract, there are now serious questions lingering over him.

Why is a key player in Arnautovic leaving for a club that finished just two places higher last season, citing a lack of ambition? Why are signings like Bojan, Imbula and Xherdan Shaqiri not finding that consistency their moves to Stoke seemingly offered the platform for? Why did Stoke finish last term in 13th, a final ranking Pulis only fared worse than once during his five top-flight campaigns as Potters boss? Why did Hughes finish three places lower and ten goals worse off than his predecessor last season? And combining the potential answers of all; firstly, has the Hughes revolution run out of steam and secondly, has it actually proved more beneficial than if the club had stuck by Pulis?

Over the next 24 months, should Hughes survive that long, we’ll discover the answers – but whether Hughes recycles the £24million from Arnautovic’s departure to further implement his stylistic ideals or seek a more balanced, pragmatic approach will play a huge part.