Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes form has little bearing on the Manchester Derby.
The Red Devils are preparing to lock horns with their bitter rivals at the Etihad on Sunday, September 14, in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim’s team have endured a difficult start to the new campaign, winning just one of their first four fixtures across competitions.
That also includes the humiliating defeat to Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in the EFL Cup Second Round.
However, United have received praise for their performance in the Premier League so far.
The thrilling 3-2 win over Burnley in the league just before the international break has also added to fans’ optimism ahead of the trip to the Etihad.
United backed to get a positive result at the Etihad
Speaking recently while in Stockport to take part in the Pro Am Padel Tour, Jones backed his former team to get the better of their local rivals.
“It doesn’t matter about form going into the Manchester derby. We’ve been out of form many times and gone there and won or got a positive result at Old Trafford,” said Jones.
“So I fully expect United to get a positive result in the game. The atmosphere is always amazing. The build-up during the game, during the week, is always magnified 10 times. So the players know what to expect.
“They’ve dealt with this pressure before. They know what they’re going into, with the environment they’re going into. So it’s no different for a player, they know what to expect.”
Interestingly, United secured a 2-1 win in the Premier League at the Etihad last season.
After going down to an early Josko Gvardiol goal, the Red Devils fought back to secure three points through goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
United need belief against City
Pep Guardiola’s team haven’t been in their element this season either, losing two of their three Premier League games.
The stage is now set for Ruben Amorim’s team to inflict further damage to their noisy neighbours this weekend.
When asked what United will need to get the better of City at the Etihad, Jones replied: “Mentality. If you’ve got the right mentality and you do the basics well in a derby, the rest of what you’re working on tactically and technically, they will come out.
“They’ll show, as they are professional football players who play for the best clubs in the world. So, as long as they do the basics right and, structurally, they look good without possession, they will limit City to very few chances.”
Recent reports have stated that as many as four City players could miss Sunday’s Derby.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
