Manchester United make the short trip across the city this weekend to face their noisy neighbors in what will be the 196th edition of the Manchester Derby.
Despite leading the overall head-to-head between the two sides, Sunday will be the first time in five years United have travelled to the Etihad Stadium with more points than their arch rivals.
Ruben Amorim will be desperate to stretch clear of City, even this early on in the campaign, and make it two wins from two at the home of Pep Guardiola’s side since arriving at Old Trafford.
The 2-1 win at the Etihad last season remains one of Amorim’s best moments as United head coach and repeating the feat tomorrow will go a long way to easing the load on his shoulders after a turbulent first nine months in the role.
Both teams go into the clash with injury problems and it does feel like more of a level playing field in the build up, given City’s early struggles.
Captain key to unlocking the door for United
With the impressive Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount ruled out, Bruno Fernandes is likely to be pushed further forward in the starting XI and the role of the United skipper will be key in outcome of the game.
Fernandes has started deeper in the opening weeks of the season with debate raging over whether the 31-year-old has the discipline to hold that position in the middle of the park
Bruno’s creativity can also be stunted further back and getting him as close to the opposition goal as possible feels like a logical decision given his ability to make, and take, chances at will.
Fluid movement of the front three has been a key feature of the Amorim set up this year and expect that to continue at the Etihad with Benjamin Sesko in line for his first Premier League start and Bryan Mbuemo hoping to continue his fine form.
Bruno’s role will likely see him drop slightly deeper than his forward partners in a bid to give United an extra number in midfield and stop the ever impressive Rodri dictating play for the hosts.
Furthermore, Sesko and Mbeumo’s pace will stretch the shaky City backline which should then leave space for the United captain to weave his magic to set them free, bring the wing backs into play, or take shots on himself.
Bruno is the ultimate big game player and will be chomping at the bit to leave his mark on another Derby day in the advanced role he is undoubtedly very dangerous in.
Thwarting the home side
Keeping tabs on Rhodri will also allow United’s base midfielders to control the middle of the park and stop the traffic that City can produce when they are given time and space.
United’s back line of Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw have looked assured in the main this season and the sheer presence of Erling Haaland will need to be dealt with if United are to win the game.
De Ligt, in particular, has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign and will fancy the physical battle with the big Norwegian who can go missing in games but does hold an outstanding record agianst United.
Nervy ‘keepers could undo tactical battle
Another intriguing sub plot comes with both goalkeepers, Amorim confirmed that Altay Bayindir’s, albeit limited, experience will mean he starts in goal for United with Guardiola also facing a dilemma in net.
The signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma surely puts James Trafford’s return into question with the giant Italian stopper demanding a first team place.
However, to throw him into a Manchester Derby will test even the most confident of ‘keepers and United will look to pepper whomever starts the game for City with both men under huge pressure for differing reasons.
All the tactical preparation from the coaches goes out the window if either goalkeeper has a bad day and in a game that is likely to be decided by small margins, the performance of the two number one’s will be playing on the minds of Amorim and Guardiola.
In the main, United will be fancying their chances to give City a bloody nose tomorrow afternoon and if they do find their shooting boots in front of goal, could very well find themselves four points clear of their neighbours at the conclusion of the weekend’s fixtures.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
