Manchester Derby: A match both sides need to win
The derby between Manchester City and Manchester United always seems to have a lot of intrigue heading into it.
On one side, there is City who, more often than not, head into the game either leading the league or only a couple of points away from the top spot. On the other is United who are trying to claw their way back and overtake their nosy neighbors who, in some eyes, have supplanted them.
It is no different this time around with City needing to win to keep pace with Liverpool and Chelsea. United need to win, and improve, to essentially save their season along with their manager’s job.
Manchester United have had the better of City in recent history
Perhaps the most pressure falls on the shoulders of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The United manager was heavily questioned following the loss to Liverpool. His future has been in constant doubt and another crushing defeat against a main rival is only going to make those whispers louder.
The Norwegian is aware of it but is not letting it affect him going into the match.
"“When I stepped in the doors here in December 2018, three years ago, there has been speculation ever since,” Solskjaer told a news conference on Friday.“That is no problem. We have moved on from Liverpool. It is a dark moment in our careers but we have had a good two weeks.“You don’t expect an easy ride when you become manager of Man United, that is how it is.”Source: ESPN"
The pressure is on as well for Guardiola, though most of it is brought upon by himself given how intense of a manager he is. Still, he knows his club need a win after stumbling against the Red Devils last season. However, he also downplayed the occasion during his press conference.
"“I don’t feel it. I wake up in the morning, I’m here to this bubble, then 10-14 hours here and after go home, I’m not in the restaurants, I don’t know the atmosphere,” Guardiola said.“I can imagine for both sides. It’s normal. The emotion, try to win the derby and do well. I have to be cold. To know exactly what we have to do, to do our best. No more than that.”Source: Manchester Evening News"
United have gone unbeaten in the last four league games against City, picking up three wins and a draw. Solskjaer’s team comes in having beaten Tottenham 3-0 in their last league fixture while City are coming off a 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace.
The game being at Old Trafford is not as huge an advantage as one might think. United have lost seven home matches in 2021, which is the most since 2001. The heavy defeat to Liverpool took place at Old Trafford.
The key for City is going to be how well they can exploit United’s lack of pressing. If Solskjaer sets his team up like he did against Liverpool, this game may also be done and dusted by the end of the first half.
City do struggle against teams who sit deep and are vulnerable to the counterattack. It’s how United were able to overcome City last season. One has to imagine Guardiola is well aware of it and has a plan to nullify that.
In any case, the fallout for Manchester United, should they lose, may mean the sacking of Solskjaer. For City, it may mean they fall further behind in the table.
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Again, it is a match these teams need to win and neither can afford to lose. A draw does little for both sides.