Man United vs Man City: On Sunday, Manchester United will host Manchester City in a massive Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Following a terrible start to the new season, the Red Devils are gradually gaining momentum after scoring consecutive Premier League wins. Erik ten Hag’s team defeated Sheffield United 2-1 to climb up to eighth place, six points behind leaders Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side seem as dominant, having backed up their 2-1 win over Brighton with a 3-1 victory against Young Boys in midweek. City earned the most recent bragging rights when they defeated United in the FA Cup final. The Red Devils, on the other hand, have reason to be optimistic after winning the last meeting between the two teams at Old Trafford.
For Manchester United, this derby is all about staying in the game as long as possible. If they are level at halftime, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes can begin to work their magic, and United will be a threat on the counter. They’ve surprised City in recent years, winning this game at Old Trafford last season.
City is moving through the gears, and Erling Haaland is becoming comfortable. His duel with Maguire and Raphael Varane should be spectacular, and City will also need a strong performance from Rodri in midfield to prevent Bruno Fernandes from making an impact.
Erling Haaland vs Raphael Varane
Haaland’s debut season at City has been nothing short of spectacular. He scored 52 goals in all competitions and nine assists for good measure. His stature, speed, and strength make him tough to contain. After scoring so many goals last season, he’ll be eager to add more against the formidable opponents.
Monitoring his moves in attack is difficult since he understands how to turn chances into goals. While his offensive vision is second to none, Varane will have his job cut out for him. Varane will give a solid test. The Frenchman understands the game well, is forceful on the ball, and himself is swift.
Rodri vs Bruno Fernandes
Rodri has had his greatest season for City and is now considered one of the top midfielders in the world. The Spaniard not only acts as a protective barrier, but also as a driving force, frequently initiating and supporting assaults.
Fernandes is a vital component in Manchester United’s midfield. He finds space effectively, makes risky runs, and makes sharp passes. He is a creator as well as a goal scorer. Bruno has even recently demonstrated that he can be just as productive on the right as he is in centre.
Ruben Dias vs Marcus Rashford
Ruben Dias, has been at his best for City in the run-up. He has recovered form and fitness following a stint out before the turn of the year to provide a rock-solid barrier at the heart of the defence. He will face United’s player of the year, Marcus Rashford.
The forward’s scoring pace may have decreased following a hot streak in the winter, but he will still be a threat. Monitoring his movements in attack is difficult since he is quick and clever in the last third. Similarly, Rashford’s likely appearance indicates that Dias will have his job cut out for him.
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