This weekend marks a highly-anticipated event as the Manchester Derby returns for its latest edition. The match between Man City and Man United is not just for bragging rights to the city, but for so much more than just three points for both teams. Both clubs cannot afford to drop points and will give their all to secure the win.
Man City has been a force to be reckoned with in the second half of the season over the past few years. The Blues have a strong finish to the season, and they are currently on one of their infamous runs, having won eight of their last nine league games. Pep Guardiola’s team has established themselves as title favorites, despite being in second place this season and one point behind Liverpool. They are widely expected to go on and win an unprecedented fourth Premier League title in a row. However, the defending champions are facing a tight title race with Liverpool and Arsenal, and Guardiola knows that any slip-up might prove costly to his team.
They were last in action against Luton Town in the FA Cup as they demolished the hosts at Kenilworth Road, beating them 6-2. Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne were near unplayable as they tore through the Hatters defense, with the former bagging five of the six goals and the latter providing four assists. It was a statement win, and surely struck some fear into the minds of the United fans who are wary of their team’s woes.
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Manchester United were last in action as they qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, winning 1-0 against Nottingham Forest, to set up another derby showdown with Liverpool at home. However, their attention will be on the derby at hand, as they travel just under 5 miles to visit the home of their famously dubbed ‘noisy neighbors’ in what is always a highly anticipated clash. To say United have been below par all season would be an understatement, as the Red Devils have failed to build on an encouraging last season. They find themselves eight points adrift of the top four and face an uphill battle to finish in a Champions League position for next season. However, manager Erik ten Hag and his men have not downed tools yet, and they have had a brilliant start to 2024, winning 8 of their 9 games in all competitions in the new year so far. Their unbeaten run in the Premier League was halted by Fulham last weekend as the Cottagers snatched three points at Old Trafford with a very late winner, after what was a drab performance by the home side. That loss put a massive dent in their hopes of making top four, but with 12 games left to play, the Red Devils will hope to give it their all and make up the gap.
WHEN AND WHERE
Date: Sunday, 3rd March 2024.
Time: 15.30 HRS GMT
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Andy Madley
Assistants: Ian Hussin, Nick Hopton.
Fourth official: Darren England.
VAR: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts.
TEAM NEWS:
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Manchester City have a strong squad to choose from ahead of the Derby, with only defender Josko Gvardiol confirmed to miss out with a long-term injury. The summer signing is said to be close to a return but this weekend’s game comes too soon for him. The availability of winger Jack Grealish is also in question as he was substituted in the first half against Luton Town in the midweek, with a feared groin injury that seems to be a recurring issue for the Englishman. He faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s big game.
Manchester United have a host of injury issues as their season long combat with injuries continues. The Red Devils suffered a fresh blow last weekend after in-form striker Rasmus Højlund was ruled out for 2 to 3 weeks with an injury just before the loss against Fulham. Defender Harry Maguire is also suffering from a groin injury and is not expected to be fit for the game, while Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Anthony Martial are on the treatment table with long-term injuries. Midfielder Mason Mount, who was signed in the summer, was said to be close to a return, but will not be fit for the derby.
There are also doubts over the availabilities of captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Raphael Varane, although the manager expects them to be fit for Sunday.
MATCH ANALYSIS:
Manchester City and Manchester United have had contrasting seasons up to now. City, on the back of a sensational treble winning last season, are still in the hunt for another treble this season, and are embroiled in a thrilling title race with Liverpool and Arsenal. United, on the other hand, have seen their season go from bad to worse with injuries near derailing their season and inconsistent performances contributing in their miserable UCL and Carabao Cup runs, as well as their position in the league table.
While City are on an imperious run of 16 wins in the last 18 games in all competitions, United themselves are on a brilliant run and have won eight of their last eleven games, including just one loss in the whole of 2024 so far. The return of key players for the Red Devils saw them win some games on the bounce, putting the belief and hope back into the minds and hearts of the Old Trafford faithful. However, it is said, form goes out the window in a derby, and the Manchester Derby has been witness to it on many past occasions.
As both teams gear up for what will be the 192nd meeting between the two teams, United are firm underdogs, with many expecting City to put their neighbors to sword as they did the last time these two met at the Etihad. City, on that instance, led 6-1 by the 75th minute, with the game eventually finishing 6-3, thanks to a late Anthony Martial brace. United were thoroughly outplayed and outmaneuvered by the Guardiola and Co, and given their issues this season, you would be forgiven to think that the game is a forlorn conclusion.
United have various issues in all three departments of the pitch, with many criticizing the way the team was setup in the defeat to Fulham. They have been vulnerable in transition throughout the season and opposition team have often found it easy to exploit the holes in United’s midfield. There has been a real concern for the lack of defensive stability in their team with only Sheffield United, West Ham United and Luton Town facing more shots than United this season. Manchester City are undoubtedly one of the most prolific teams in the league and it would be no surprise if they pepper the United goal with a bucketload of shots. In attack, United have been equal parts dull and lackluster and also wasteful of good opportunities throughout the season. The Red Devils have scored 3 or more goals in only five matches so far this season, which is evidence of their poor attack.
United scraped through against Nottingham Forest in the midweek, whereas City destroyed Luton Town, coming into Sunday’s game. Those results are excellent parallels of how their seasons have panned out and the gulf between the two teams at the moment. It is always an entertaining prospect when these two meet and there is rarely a dull game. City were the victors in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford early in the season, and while United will be hoping to extract revenge. There is no doubt that it will be an interesting fixture from a neutral perspective, and although the hosts are expected to come away with three points, stranger things have happened in football and it would be foolish to count United out before the final whistle goes.                                        Â
KEY PLAYERS:
Erling Haaland
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The Norwegian loves scoring against United, so much so that the Red Devils are the team he has scored the most goals against in his time so far in England. He announced his arrival in the first Manchester Derby with a hattrick and has a total of 5 goals and three assists against them in 4 matches. He has had some injury issues this season which has prevented him from touching last season’s levels, but he was back at his very best in the FA Cup tie against Luton, scoring five goals, and hitting form at the right moment. City are in the hunt for a second treble in two seasons, and Erling Haaland’s form and goalscoring abilities will be very much needed for the Citizens. The 23-year-old will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing United’s makeshift defense which is one of the weakest in the league.
Marcus Rashford
If anyone can inspire United to a win it would the Manc born and bred, Marcus Rashford. United’s talisman last season has not had the same impact this season, and questions have been raised over his commitment to the club as well as his ability. The 26-year-old has at times dragged his side to wins, and while has been out of form for a while, United fans will be hoping Rashford can throw up a vintage performance and propel his side to three points in hostile territory.
PREDICTED LINEUPS:
MANCHESTER CITY XI: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva; Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku.
MANCHESTER UNITED XI: Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Sofyan Amrabat; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay; Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho.
