Manchester United v Manchester City: 5 reasons Mourinho will emerge victorious
By Joel Slagle
Manchester United will attack City’s makeshift back line
Pep Guardiola’s greatest coaching achievement this season is not Raheem Sterling’s dramatic improvement. It is the masking the deficiencies of his defenders.
The runaway league leaders have played without a natural left fullback in the side since late September after Benjamin Mendy’s injury against Crystal Palace. Fabian Delph has stepped in, and, so far, has not looked out-of-place. Surely, though, it is only a matter of time before his limitations are exposed.
The center of City’s defense does not inspire much confidence either. John Stones’ injury was a shame, as he was finally beginning to look the part. It is difficult to know what to make of his partner in the middle, Nicolas Otamendi. On his day, he is capable of keeping some of the world’s best attackers quiet. He is also capable of madness. Which one will show up on Sunday?
The real weakness in the center is Vincent Kompany though. Once City’s rock at the back, injuries have precipitated a tremendous decline. He has lost a step or two and will not relish facing one of the most dynamic strikers in the league in Romelu Lukaku. The lightning runs of players like Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and Jesse Lingard will also trouble the City skipper.
On the right, Kyle Walker has performed well, which is what one would expect from a £50 million fullback. Walker’s game is built on his superb athleticism, and his speed and stamina allow him to mask his occasional poor decisions. As Manchester United illustrated last week against Arsenal, they are capable of capitalizing on even the smallest of defensive mistakes.