New Delhi: As Manchester City prepare to host Manchester United this weekend, there’s an unusual air surrounding this derby. Unlike past years where title challenges and heated rivalries dominated the headlines, this clash arrives with neither side in their best form. While City are enduring an uncharacteristic slump, United’s latest rebuild under Ruben Amorim is far from complete. Yet, as always with derbies, the match promises intrigue, drama, and surprises.
While Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, Manchester United are extremely familiar with the current situation. The Red Devils have been in a perennial state of turmoil, either on-field or off-field, since Jose Mourinho was sacked and the club might relish their chance to sneak a win against their noisy neighbours, taking advantage of their unfamiliarity. While neither clubs head into the game as favourites, both of them stand an equal chance of coming out as victors.
1) Worst start to the season this century?
While Manchester United’s season has been underwhelming since the start, it’s easy to forget that Manchester City started the season just how they have in previous years. However, since Rodri got injured things have gone off the rails since then which has led to this season being underwhelming for both of Manchester’s giants. United sit 13th in the Premier League table, their lowest points tally after 15 games in the competition’s history. City, while better placed in fourth, are enduring their worst start since 2010-11. Combined, their tally of 46 points from 30 games marks the poorest start for both clubs since 2002, the year City returned to the top flight.
For Pep Guardiola, this has been the worst slump of his illustrious managerial career as he’s picked up just one win in 10 games. For United, the ongoing struggles reflect the turbulence of yet another managerial transition under Ruben Amorim. Both clubs are searching for answers, making this derby as much about pride as points. The result will not decide the fate of titles or relegation, but it could heavily influence the narrative around two of English football’s biggest clubs. This Manchester derby, after years, will only be played for pride.
2) Who are the favourites this time?
The head-to-head between the two sides won’t necessarily show the real picture considering Manchester City only recently came at power with Manchester United. City’s recent dominance in this fixture has been emphatic. United have lost five of their last six Premier League encounters with their neighbors, shipping a staggering 18 goals in those defeats. The lone exception came at Old Trafford in January 2023, where United eked out a 2-1 win.
At the Etihad, City’s dominance has been even more pronounced. United have lost their last three league visits by an aggregate score of 13-5. A defeat on Sunday would equal United’s longest losing streak at a single Premier League ground, matching their ongoing run of four losses at Arsenal. These statistics underline the scale of the task facing Amorim’s side, who will need to find a way to counter City’s superior firepower and home advantage.
3) Will it be a goal fest?
Despite both sides struggling for form, the derby could still deliver fireworks in front of goal. Historically, these matches have seen plenty of action, with City’s Erling Haaland and Phil Foden combining for 12 of their team’s last 13 derby goals. Haaland, in particular, has been a thorn in United’s side, thriving in these high-stakes encounters. Even with Manchester City’s recent slump, they have scored in most of their last 10 games.
Interestingly, both teams have defended resolutely in terms of volume. City have faced the fewest shots in the league, while United are not far behind. However, when chances do arise, they tend to be of high quality. Both teams are vulnerable to well-executed attacks, meaning moments of brilliance, rather than sustained pressure, could decide the outcome. Both Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo have been in great form under Amorim and could have an effect on the game.
4) How were Manchester City stopped by Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner offered a revealing insight into City’s current vulnerabilities after his side’s 2-2 draw with Guardiola’s men last weekend. Glasner highlighted how his team exploited City’s 4-1-4-1 system, particularly the spaces around their lone defensive midfielder. “There was so much space on the opposite side next to [Ilkay] Gundogan,” Glasner noted. Manchester City have been extremely open at the back ever since Rodri’s injury and are extremely vulnerable on the counter attack.
Palace’s approach relied on high intensity, fast transitions, and capitalizing on gaps in midfield. By targeting City’s isolated number six, Palace exposed the structural weaknesses in Guardiola’s system. With City conceding high-quality chances despite their defensive solidity, Glasner’s analysis provides a clear roadmap for opponents to follow. If Manchester United apply similar tactics, they can hope of achieving a similar result against their city rivals.
5) How can Manchester City’s weaknesses be exploited?
United’s 3-4-2-1 formation under Ruben Amorim might be tailor-made to exploit the gaps Glasner described. With two attacking midfielders operating behind a striker, United could overload the spaces left by City’s lone defensive midfielder. The presence of Amad Diallo, who has been instrumental in five of United’s six league goals under Amorim, adds another dimension to their counter-attacking threat.
City’s midfield could find itself stretched if United execute fast transitions. The key will be how effectively United can bypass City’s pressing game to feed their attacking players in dangerous zones. As evidenced by Amorim’s success against Guardiola with Sporting in the Champions League last month, United have the tactical tools to capitalize on City’s weaknesses. Whether they can do so on the day will determine their chances of causing an upset.
Even without the high stakes, Prestige remains
While this derby lacks the stakes of previous encounters, the intrigue remains. For City, it’s an opportunity to halt an alarming slump and reassert themselves as one of the league’s dominant forces. For United, it’s a chance to test Amorim’s system against top opposition and claim bragging rights in a difficult season. The prestige of the encounter remains intact as two powerhouses of English football go head to head once again.
Derbies often defy form and expectations, and Sunday’s clash is likely to be no different. With City’s defensive vulnerabilities and United’s transitional strengths, this could be a more open contest than recent encounters. In a season where both clubs have fallen short of their lofty standards, a win could serve as a much-needed boost—and a reminder of the passion and unpredictability that make the Manchester derby a fixture like no other.
The red half of Manchester travels to the blue half on Sunday for the derby but this time, the Manchester Derby has an unusual vibe to it with both teams in turmoil and struggling for form. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
