The 191st edition of the Manchester derby takes center stage as Old Trafford readies itself for one of the Premier League’s most iconic clashes.
In recent years, the balance of power within the city has shifted, and Manchester United now approaches this fixture with a sense of unease, having lost four of the last five meetings against their city rivals, Manchester City.
This is a fixture that has seen moments of glory for both sides, but the recent trend favors the sky-blue half of Manchester.
Manchester City’s victory in the FA Cup final last June not only stung United but also allowed them to match United’s previously exclusive feat of winning a Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will be eager to turn the tide and seek revenge for past defeats.
However, they must also address their poor start to the season, with the club currently languishing in eighth place in the league standings.
A glimmer of hope came in their emotionally charged UEFA Champions League clash midweek, where they secured a victory with Harry Maguire heading in the winning goal and André Onana making a crucial penalty save in the 97th minute.
It marked their sixth one-goal margin win this season, reminiscent of their 2-1 victory in last season’s corresponding fixture on their home ground.
For Manchester City, the goal is to avoid losing successive trips to Old Trafford, something they haven’t experienced since February 2011.
At that time, City had yet to claim their first Premier League title, but they’ve since been crowned champions seven times, second only to Manchester United’s 13 titles.
Pep Guardiola’s team now aims for a fourth successive Premier League title, a feat that their rivals, United, never achieved.
After a shaky period before the international break, Pep Guardiola’s side seems to be finding their form again with back-to-back wins.
Their recent 3-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Young Boys was a hard-fought one, showing the character of a team that had lost three of their last four away matches, including their last two Premier League trips.
The players to watch in this highly anticipated clash include Marcus Rashford, who has been a key figure in United’s recent derby victories, and Erling Haaland, City’s prolific striker, who netted a brace in their recent UEFA Champions League match.
The Manchester derby promises to be a spectacle of football rivalry, passion, and skill. As both teams prepare to battle it out at Old Trafford, it’s not just a game for bragging rights but a chance to assert their dominance in the Premier League.
With neither team keen on a draw, fans can expect fireworks on the pitch and an intense battle for victory.
