Manchester City thought they had done enough to win the Manchester derby when taking the lead at Old Trafford in January.

Jack Grealish’s goal on the hour mark felt like the deciding moment, but Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 78th minute and pandemonium ensued moments later when Marcus Rashford made it 2-1 at the Stretford End.

The result was a landmark victory for Erik ten Hag and it was the team’s seventh consecutive win in all competitions. The win moved United up to third in the Premier League table and some even suggested a title charge was possible.

Ten Hag’s first year was a success and that win over City was one of the most memorable results of the campaign, with supporters leaving Old Trafford on that afternoon dreaming of a grandstand finish in the league.

The win also provided some revenge after the humiliating 6-3 defeat at the Etihad earlier in the season and Ten Hag received huge praise for his tactical approach, particularly his decision to play Bruno Fernandes on the right.

Antony was dropped to the bench for that game and Fernandes started in his place., a decision which was emphatically vindicated by the versatile midfielder scoring the equaliser and winning the man of the match award.

“The idea with Bruno on the right wing and especially in defending, we defended as usual but in possession, he had a role to come in between the lines to bring an extra player there,” Ten Hag said after the game.

“It was his role to bring the opponent problems and create hesitation and confusion and I thought he played that brilliantly. The rest of the team adapted well to the situation and we had really good breaks by finding the free man.

“Bruno was an important factor in that role and important in the pressing as well. He was my man of the match definitely.”

Fernandes provided defensive cover and was excellent in attacking scenarios during that game and Ten Hag has sometimes asked him to play in that role throughout his tenure, despite him being a natural creative midfielder.

The 29-year-old’s preference to play as a No.10 is certainly no secret, but he’s previously said that he’ll play wherever his manager needs him and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start on the right wing again this weekend.

Antony has been poor since his return to action and questions must be asked of Ten Hag if he starts against City on Sunday. He doesn’t deserve to keep his starting role and Fernandes seems the best option to play in that position.

Fernandes playing on the right has already worked against City, while Fauncdo Pellistri, who is the only other fit option on that side, is not ready to start for the first-team in games of such magnitude as the Manchester derby.

Mason Mount or Christian Eriksen could play there, but Fernandes is the proven option on the wing and Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Eriksen are perhaps the best midfield trio from the remaining options.

Ten Hag was asked about Fernandes playing on the right in his penultimate pre-match press conference and said: “As a squad, in periods of the season, you have to deal with certain situations like injuries, at full-back and right wing in the last couple of games.

“We have to find solutions. Burno is a very good right winger as well, he has his freedom there, playing not typical but coming inside more, the 10 role and always you want to use a player like this, he’s a player that creates so many chances.”

It’s advisable to play your best players in their strongest positions, but if United want to get a result in the derby, just like they did in January, they will have a better chance of achieving that with Fernandes on the right wing.

Ten Hag is a creature of habit and he also played Fernandes in that role in the FA Cup final.

City were superior in every aspect that day and it’s hoped this weekend’s game is closer.