analysis
Traditionally, Derby Day is not a holiday for Manchester City supporters. For decades, rival United was able to live out its own dominance in urban duels. Last year, the Citizens left the field as winners in both league games. Before this year’s duel, both clubs are on an equal footing.
The derby always produces surprising results. In the last six Manchester duels within the Premier League, the “Red Devils” prevailed three times. City won only twice, once the teams drew. The clear favorite in recent years has always been the team coached by Pep Guardiola.
United set course for redemption
Especially in the last year, Manchester City demonstrated their own strength against their unloved neighbors. In the 2-0 win at Old Trafford, the “Skyblues” presented the hosts at will.
A similar picture presented itself to the spectators in the second leg. In the end there was an even clearer 4:1 for City. A mortgage that United don’t want to let sit – the “Red Devils” are looking for redemption.
Coach Erik ten Hag also emphasized the clear mission at the press conference before his first derby: “We want to win every game, so the goal for Sunday is nothing else.”
Haaland dominates at City
A look at the start of the season in the Premier League reveals the indisputable fact: City is and will remain the measure of all things. In the case of the still undefeated Skyblues, the best offensive in the league particularly stands out. Captain Ilkay Gündogan’s team has already scored 23 goals.
The outstanding man is ex-Dortmunder Erling Haaland. The Norwegian elemental force has been successful eleven times in the league alone and scores every 52 minutes on average.
If that’s not impressive enough, the 22-year-old striker notched two flawless hat-tricks in five days at the end of August. Haaland didn’t need any warm-up time for his amazing performance in Guardiola’s system either.
United: In form on time
City rivals United are not doing so well. The main reason for the four-point difference is the false start of the “Red Devils”. After losing 2-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion and then going down 4-0 at Brentford, alarm bells were ringing in the Old Trafford area early in the season.
The low point in Brentford was at the same time the start of the sporting turnaround. Since then, the English record champions have won all league games. The Red Devils are back in form in time for the derby and are ready to attack:
“It’s an important game in the Manchester region and I’m looking forward to it. We’ll do everything we can to win the game,” said coach Erik ten Hag at the press conference.
At United, the collective is convincing
United does not stand for spectacular hooray football this season. The “Red Devils” scored just eight goals. Even when looking at the individual performances, no actor stands out. The scorers are quickly named: Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford each scored three times. They are followed by Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Antony with one goal each.
The collective under ten Hag works well together. The Dutch coach relies on tactical discipline: “We have to do our best according to our rules and principles. It’s about executing our game plan to get a result.”
CR7 subordinates itself
The unrest surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, who obviously pursued a policy of emigration in the summer, has now subsided. The Portuguese superstar has accepted his place in ten Hag’s system and is now bringing his performances off the bench.
Ronaldo could return to the starting XI on Sunday. The game is probably too early for Marcus Rashford. “CR7” only started once this season – of all things, in the 0:4 in Brentford on the second day of play.
Guardiola full of anticipation
On Sunday afternoon, the clubs go into the derby at an unusual level. For Guardiola, however, the rivalry produces special constellations under all circumstances: “Big rivals make you better. It will always be like that against United.” The Spaniard was full of enthusiasm at the press conference: “I’m happy”. It starts at 3:00 p.m.