The Manchester derby is vastly growing into one of the fiercest rivalries in the top flight as both United and City are now competing for the same honours with the Red Devils doing all the right things in recent months to close the gap between themselves and Pep Guardiola’s Citizens.
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Manchester United could even argue that they now have a midfielder on the same level as Kevin De Bruyne in Bruno Fernandes with an unspoken rivalry brewing between the two playmakers as well. With just a single point separating these two Manchester giants after 10 games, we could be in for a cracking encounter this Saturday as both clubs will be hoping to paint the city in their colours.
English Premier League
Saturday 12 December – 19:30
Old Trafford
To Win Match
32/10 Manchester United | Draw 3/1 | Manchester City 15/20
Manchester United
It’s a defining week for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Red Devils learnt their fate in Europe, while also having the small matter of the Manchester derby in the back of their heads.
For years, the blue waves of City have washed up the red sand in Manchester, turning the tide in Guardiola’s favour since the Spaniard took over. In fact, the pendulum first started to swing the day Sir Alex Ferguson left his post at Manchester United after winning the league in 2013.
There’s been a few rocky roads, but United seem to be on their way back again to glory. They’re certainly on the up once again and despite criticism Solskjaer has faced in the past 18 months, the Norwegian has silenced his doubters as he continues to build a team capable of challenging for the league title.
Since the signing of Bruno Fernandes in January, United have changed their style of play and have found a new formation to put their opponents to the sword. Since his move to Manchester, United have only lost three league matches, which came this season during a period where you could argue was the club’s pre-season.
The addition of Donny Van De Beek, coupled with Fernandes, gives Solskjaer more ideas to tinker with his midfield. Currently, the club have won four league game in a row, scoring 10 goals in the process.
Up front, the Red Devils also have Marcus Rashford who has a stellar record against the big clubs. Across all competitions, at the time of writing, Rashford has 10 goals in 17 appearances this season, which is more impressive considering he’s been taken off penalty duties.
Manchester United beat their city rivals three times in four matches across all competitions, with Solskjaer hopeful of continuing his superb record against the big six clubs.
Manchester City
Manchester City, for a change, have gone under the radar this season. Not much has been spoken of Guardiola’s side, but the Citizens still seem to be well in the mix of things at this early stage.
After defeat to Tottenham in London a fortnight ago, City have picked up momentum again, beating Burnely 5-0 and Fulham 2-0. Those were the club’s third and fourth clean sheets of the campaign, an area which needed to be addressed badly since Vincent Kompany’s departure two seasons ago.
Now, Ruben Dias has come in for a hefty fee, forming arguably the most formidable centre-back partnerships alongside French international, Aymeric Laporte. Two modern day centre halves who know a thing or two about old school defending has made City much tighter at the back.
But apart from their rock-solid defence, the Sky Blues still have, who I believe to be, the best midfielder on the planet in Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian wizard can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye, and with his trademark passes across the entire opposing backline, it becomes extremely difficult to defend against.
Up front, City have a wealth of riches in attack, with Guardiola afforded the luxury of choosing a front three between Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Ferran Torres, Bernardo Silva and England’s brightest young talent, in my opinion, Phil Foden.
With Sergio Aguero still out, its likely that Jesus could spearhead the attack, although as we’ve seen in previous years, predicting a Guardiola team can be one of the hardest calls to make.
What we do know, is that City will be up for the fight against their bitter rivals.
Verdict: Draw (3/1)
Manchester United have been known for being devastating in transitional periods on the counter-attack, and that’s why they’ve had success against Manchester City in the past. Now, looking at the way City play, its very un-Guardiola-like at the moment, with a lot more attention being paid on their defensive work. The double pivot of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan should be able to deal with any counters from United, while it doesn’t give them the opportunity to send an extra midfielder up the pitch, with my prediction sadly being a share of the spoils in this tie.
Written by Jesse Nagel for Hollywoodbets.
