Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford looking to do the double over their neighbours.
There have been 195 matches between the two sides in English football history, with United coming out on top 80 times in total. City have tasted victory 62 times while there have been 50 draws.
Here are three storylines to look forward to before the massive clash at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.
United aiming to improve good recent record against City
United fans haven’t had a great deal to shout about over the last few years by their own high standards but they have enjoyed more recent bragging rights in the derby.
The Red Devils defeated City 2-1 at the Etihad in December with a late goal by Amad. They also famously beat City last year 2-1 in the FA Cup final in May.
The BBC report that “Manchester United are aiming to complete their first league double over Manchester City since the 2019-20 campaign.”
Ruben Amorim’s side are also aiming “to go four matches without defeat against City for the first time since January 2010 to February 2011.”
United need to avoid defeat to not match and break two unwanted records
Even the most loyal United fan would admit this season has been very poor domestically.
There is the one bright spot of the Europa League campaign as United are in the quarter-finals of the competition but they have lost an incredible 13 league matches. Were United to lose tomorrow, they would equal last season’s worst-ever campaign loss total of 14.
What’s more, “United need to win all eight of their remaining top-flight games this season to avoid recording their lowest points tally in a Premier League season – currently 60, set under Erik ten Hag last year.”
With the side unable to win consecutive Premier League games all season, eight on the bounce seems an incredibly tall order.
Ruben Amorim’s strong record versus Pep Guardiola
Ruben Amorim has endured a lot of negative headlines since taking over the United job in November. Nonetheless, he could be on course to do what only two other managers have ever done.
“Having already recorded wins against City with Sporting and Manchester United this season, Ruben Amorim is aiming to become just the third manager to beat Pep Guardiola in three consecutive meetings, after Jurgen Klopp with Liverpool (twice) and Thomas Tuchel with Chelsea.”
The Old Trafford crowd and Amorim will be giving it their all on Sunday to ensure it comes to pass.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
