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The Manchester derby is once again upon us and, as always, this game is expected to light up the Premier League. Manchester United will be travelling to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday knowing very well that a loss could all but end their title hopes.
The Red Devils may currently be nine points below their neighbours from the blue part of Manchester, but a win could sway a lot of things in their favour. This will, however, not come easy, especially looking at the imperious form that Man City have exhibited since the beginning of the season.
Pep Guardiola’s side has won each of their last six games in all competitions, including netting six goals in their last two. Such impeccable form undoubtedly makes the Cityzens favourites for this encounter, but that does not mean they will walk over the Red Devils.
Manchester United have equally won each of their last three games in all competitions and recorded a massive 2-1 away win over Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Everything may be pointing to a Man City win, but here are three solid reasons why Man United could rather seal victory:
#3 Manchester United have a good record at the Etihad
As surprising as it may sound, Manchester United actually have a very good record against Manchester City at the Etihad. The Red Devils have been under the shadows of their neighbours in recent years, but their away record against the Cityzens is still very impressive.
It’s been four years since United lost a game at the Etihad. In fact, the last time the Red Devils lost to Man City at the Etihad was in 2014 when a Chris Smalling mistake cost the Red Devils. Even under Guardiola, City have still never managed to beat United at the Etihad.
In the Spaniard’s first season, the club recorded a 0-0 draw with United, while the Red Devils came back two goals down to record a memorable 3-2 win in last season’s encounter at the Etihad. It is a record that favours Jose Mourinho’s men and on Sunday, Manchester United will definitely be looking to enjoy another fruitful away game against their neighbours.
#2 The Mourinho factor
There’s something about Jose Mourinho that many football fans seem to have forgotten – his fight and spiritedness remain unchanged. The Portuguese endured a torrid start to the season, as poor results led to speculations that he could be sacked.
However, he has managed to turn the tide and is now leading United to one of their more stable runs in recent times. It’s now been three wins on the trot and the team is clearly playing better than ever. Mourinho remains as pragmatic as ever, but he is still very special.
Anytime he is on a row like this, he is very difficult to stop. For the first time this season, he appears to have finally understood his players and he's getting the best out of most of those who were previously struggling.
The Mourinho factor will be key in the Manchester derby and should he get his acts rights, Manchester City will be in serious trouble, just like Juventus and Chelsea before.
#1 Momentum on Manchester United’s side after Juventus win
Forget about the fact that Manchester City have won their last six games, the real momentum lies with Manchester United. Pep Guardiola’s side is flying high and may have hit six goals past Southampton and Shakhtar Donetsk, but that pales in comparison to beating Juventus in Turin.
The Red Devils were given no chance against the Italian champions, but they pulled off a famous result with that late comeback win. Those are the kind of results that boost a team going into a big game like the Manchester derby.
Manchester United have momentum on their side and are currently brimming with confidence. That is shown by the resurgence of the likes of Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, Juan Mata and even the returning Ander Herrera. And, should they go into Sunday’s game with the same morale and character, then there is no reason why they cannot beat City.
