The North West will come to a standstill on Sunday afternoon as United and City meet in the most hotly anticipated Manchester derby in recent seasons.
Sir Alex Ferguson take charge of his 43rd derby having won 24 but his Red Devils find themselves behind fierce rivals in the Premier League table after Javier Hernandez salvaged a late point at Anfield in last week’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool. They haven’t finished that way since 1968 when City won the title only for United to take the headlines winning the European Cup under Matt Busby. Ferguson’s side are going through a transitional period with summer signings David de Gea and Phil Jones fitting in alongside fellow youngsters Chris Smalling, Tom Cleverely and Danny Wellbeck to give United a youthful edge. De Gea has been the one to watch but not for the right reasons with a catalogue of mistakes bringing into question his ability to replace Edwin Van Der Sar. His debut in the Community Shield against City was the start as United came from behind to win 3-2 at Wembley. Since the the Spaniard has improved and his performance against Liverpool went a long way to convincing supporters he could be the long-term custodian between the Old Trafford posts. At the other end Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Wellbeck have all been in hot goalscoring form and should add to the 50 goals scored against City in 28 league meetings. In fact they have only lost once against their fierce rivals at home in 37 years going down 2-1 to Sven Goran Eriksson’s City back in 2008. Their current unbeaten streak of 25 games gives them the edge and they haven’t tasted defeat at Old Trafford in 37 games. However concerns still remain over the tightness of the defence with Rio Ferdinand looking shaky and Jonny Evans turning in some unconvincing displays so the onus will be on Jones to sort the back line out if captain Nemanja Vidic is left out.
How sweet it would be for Roberto Mancini to come away victorious in what will be his 100th game as Man City manager. His side have been irresistible this season playing some exhilarating football and steamrolling anyone in their path. Arguably though this is their biggest test to date and despite their storming start they’ll have to hold their nerve in cauldron of noise that will be Old Trafford. Away from the Etihad Stadium City are a force having scored 14 goals in their four games on the road. That works out at an average of 3.5 per game and they’ll need to keep that form up if they are to be the first team to beat United at home since Chelsea in April 2010. They smashed four past Aston Villa a week ago in a breathtaking display of attacking power but may need to take the patient approach on Sunday. Whilst the combination of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri have been making the headlines the performances of Gareth Barry, James Milner and Nigel De Jong will dictate the outcome of City’s fate. The trio have been outstanding in midfield this season providing a platform for the attacking players to do their stuff in the final third. Should they win the midfield battle expect City to come out on top and claim the all important bragging rights. They’ll have to keep an eye on Rooney though after his spectacular winner in this fixture last season.
Key Players
Wayne Rooney – When he plays well United win, simple as that. Rooney is the Red Devil’s talisman and when he is firing on all cylinders they tend to strong arm teams into submission. His red card in Montenegro may have knocked him off course and he will need to focus all of his efforts and concentration into the game against City if he is to lead United to victory.
Nigel de Jong – Something tells me this game will be won in the midfield and if De Jong puts in his usual dominate, bulldozer like displays then City will come out on top. His job will be to break down attacks and put the cat amongst the pigeons in United’s central players and should he do that it will provide a platform for Mancini’s side to launch attacks.
Prediction: 2-1
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City’s midfield stars David Silva and Samir Nasri have completed a pass in their opponent half every 2 mins 42 secs and 2 mins 20 secs respectively. Young and Nani have averaged one every 4 mins 43 and 4 mins 25, but have completed 62 dribbles compared to the City pair’s 22, and put in 57 crosses to their 22. In defence United’s Phil Jones has been taking the plaudits with some great performances, but across the city Vincent Kompany has been anchoring City’s defence. Neither player has lost a tackle that they have attempted this season, with Kompany winning 15 and Jones 11. Jones has had more of an impact in launching attacks, completing 78 passes in his opponent’s half and completing dribbles compared to Kompany’s 38 passes and no dribbles, but Sir Alex may be reminding his young defender to do the job at the back first.
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