The Manchester derby is one of the most anticipated matches in Premier League, both sides play this match not just to win their important three points but also to have bragging rights over their fierce rivals.
Man City have a brilliant squad and one of the most successful coach Pep Guardiola to manage the team, while after the return of their former star player Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United looks a different team.
Manchester United manager Ole Solskajaer job at the club is still under thread after United got thrashed by 5-0 to their rivals Liverpool. However, the Red Devils managed to defeat Tottenham Hotspur in their next match, which saw the sacking of Spurs manager Nuno Santo.
Team News
Manchester United
With Raphael Varane out for more than 4-5 weeks after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in Champions League against Atlanata, United’s defence is already weak, while Victor Lindelof is also facing some fitness issues. Pass master Paul Pogba is out due to his domestic ban but Bruno, Sancho and Fred might start in mid-field along with Ronaldo, Rashford and Cavani in attack.
Manchester City
City’s Aymeric Laporte is also suspended after the player was sent off in their last match against Crystal Palace. The attack is still a major issue for Pep’s City. Club manager Guardiola a day before the derby said that they are confident to beat United that its not a very new thing to beat United at Old Trafford. He also took a dig on the city rivals by saying that they might beat the Red Devils by 5-0 like Liverpool did.
Head to Head
The Manchester derbies have always been close contest in Premier League history. In total 152 meetings in Premier League Manchester United have emerged 59 times while City won 45 times, 48 matches ended in draws.
Last five Premier League meetings:
April 2019: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City
December 2019: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
2020: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
2020: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
2021: Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s records against Pep Guardiola are dominant in previous matches, beating him on 3 occasions in their past 5 meetings. However, a loss against Manchester City might sack Ole from Manchester United.