'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United face Manchester City at the weekend, probably the most important match for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his survival with the Red Devils. The match comes at a time when the Norwegian has been severely criticized for his management.
After the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool at Old Trafford, it was rumored that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might lose his job but somehow it hasn't happened. He had a 3-0 win against Spurs and a late 2-2 draw against Atalanta. But the Manchester United manager needs a big result against Manchester City to continue the road to recovery.
Manchester United do have the ammunition to beat Manchester City
The rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City has only intensified post the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008. It has become an interesting contest with both sides giving it their all. That being said, the Citizens are considered to be favorites to win on the weekend.
It is not at all going to be easy to beat Pep Guardiola's Manchester City but surely it is achievable. It will take a collective effort from the management and players of Manchester United. On that note, let's take a look at how Manchester United can beat Manchester City.
#5 Manchester United should use the 3-5-2 formation
After a heavy defeat against Liverpool at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer adopted a 3-5-2 formation against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Although the formation might be a new one for the Manchester United players, they looked quite comfortable using that.
The three-at-the-back formation provides more cushion in the defense. At the same time, it allows wing-backs, namely Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw, to attack more freely. The formation also helps in dealing better with counter-attacks.
Given that Manchester City like to attack more centrally, the 3-5-2 formation will help Manchester United compliment those with more numbers at the back. With two central forwards, the Red Devils will have more options in the box too.
#4 Manhcester United should drop Harry Maguire against Manchester City
Harry Maguire has been a key figure for Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. That being said, ever since the Englishman returned from his injury, he hasn't looked like the same player.
His comeback match against former club Leicester City was a game to forget as United lost 4-2. It is likely that Maguire was rushed back from his recovery phase and is still not quite fit to play regular football. Either way, his form does not merit a place in the starting XI right now.
With Raphael Varane injured, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are bound to start at the back. Nemanja Matic has been used as a centre-back before but so has Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw. Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks the best option as a right centre-back with Diogo Dalot capable of playing as a right wing-back.
#3 Manchester United must play direct football
For Manchester United to beat Manchester City there are several things that need to be done right. One of them is to play free-flowing and direct football. United have had their struggles with taking it too long to build up, allowing the opposition to position themselves well and defend efficiently.
Against Manchester City, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men cannot afford to take up that much time. They'll have to be more direct with their approach and passes. It has to be similar and more intense than how it was against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Additionally, Liverpool, with their direct and attacking approach, were quite effective against Manchester City. It is something Manchester United should work upon. Manchester United have the firepower to hurt Pep Guardiola's side and with the right execution they should be able to achieve it.
#2 Manchester United must exploit Manchester City's full-backs' attacking nature
Modern day football involves the use of full-backs on the attacking side more than ever. Some of the most successful clubs in recent times have made their full-backs very effective while going forward.
Manchester City are one of those clubs and they are certainly not going to change that any time soon. Both Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are brutally effective in the attack. They push up higher in the opposition half and are always dying to make a run forward. In that sense, Cancelo has been sensational. He made a hattrick of assists against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
As much of that is a threat to Manchester United, it is also a window of opportunity.
The Premier League giants have quick pace on their flanks. They can easily exploit the space left behind by the attacking full-backs of Manchester City. Manchester United will have to make the most out of the limited chances they'll get in this regard.
#1 Start with Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani
Manchester United fans have longed to see both Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani play together. Seldom they were seen playing together before the Tottenham match.
Now that it is evident that the two experienced forwards can work nicely in tandem, it is necessary that Manchester United start with both of them. Both Ronaldo and Cavani have massive experience under their belt. With their varied approach in the box, it will be a hassle for Manchester City to handle.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in sensational form so far this season and Edinson Cavani has made it count whenever it has mattered. It would be criminal not to start the experienced duo in a tough match against Manchester City.
