The Manchester Derby: 5 factors that could decide the game

#4 Manchester United’s lack of defensive solidity

Juventus attempted 23 shots on goal against Manchester United: Worrying signs

Manchester City has a good solid defense. When defending in tough situations, City’s defensive line holds tight. They have no woes as such in the back end of the pitch. Lobbed balls over the midfield are the only real problem that occurs for them.

However, United’s case is different. In each of their last six games, they have failed to keep clean sheets. It can be excused that they conceded against Juventus and Chelsea. But they have conceded against Derby County, West Ham United, Bournemouth, and Newcastle as well.

Not only that, they were first to concede against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Newcastle. They tried to close the game out against Chelsea and failed. They tried to keep Juventus quiet on two separate occasions and failed.

Manchester United’s defense has Chris Smalling at its heart and an inexperienced Victor Lindelof, while Ashley Young and Luke Shaw are at the full-back positions. City’s young and pacey forwards Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, and Raheem Sterling can cause all sorts of problems just with their pace.

United’s defence has shown several signs of cracking under pressure. City also completes an immaculate amount of passes in the final third, which should be watched out for.

United have to be very wary of a similar lob from which Ronaldo scored against them. David Silva is more than capable of penetrating the lines, provided he has space. All three of the lead forwards from City can outrun the Manchester United defence.

Liverpool was at the receiving end of a lot of potential threats from these young kids. Lovren was tight at the back winning aerial duels and making crucial tackles. Manchester United need a top drawer defensive performance like Liverpool's from the young Lindelof and the experienced Smalling.