Manchester United and Manchester City are set to lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Over the past few years, the Red Devils’ record against their city rivals hasn’t been particularly great for the most part.
Man United have lost eight of the last 12 Manchester derbies, though the latter defeat was a penalty shoot-out loss in the Community Shield.
However, the Red Devils did overcome the Citizens in the FA Cup final and, with how poorly Man City are doing at present, Ruben Amorim’s charges may well fancy their chances of victory at the Etihad.
The reigning Premier League champions lost 2-0 to Juventus in a game where few of the visiting players impressed and star striker Erling Haaland was criticised by the Italian media.
Speaking after the game, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie explained what tactics Man United should use against Man City after watching the Citizens’ loss to Juve.
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie looks on prior to the Sky Bet League Two between Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town at Prenton Park on May 08, 202...
Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images
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Manchester United should ‘copy what Juventus did’ against Manchester City
Hendrie, speaking on Sky Sports at full time, said the Red Devils should “copy what Juventus did” in forcing Man City out wide.
The pundit also said Juve “just loved” playing against Man City, who still seemed determined to “find that perfect pass” and failed to get back into the game.
“Man City are so predictable in how they approach games, that is where teams are figuring them out,” said Hendrie.
“Juventus are Juventus, they do not score many goals, they defend well and make it hard for teams and then counterattack.
“And if I were Ruben Amorim watching that game, I would copy what Juventus did, make them force balls out wide as what is the point of having Doku on the pitch if he is not to provide crosses?
“I am watching the game, they are 2-0 down and still trying to find that perfect pass – why? Get the ball out wide to your full backs, get support and put balls into the box.
“Try something a little bit different to try and break them down – Juventus just loved it.”
Manchester derby stats
Man City are ahead of Man United when it comes to recent history, having won five of their last six Premier League games against the Red Devils.
Man United haven’t fared particularly well at the Etihad Stadium of late, having lost each of their last top-flight matches at Man City’s ground.
However, if ever there was a time that one could say Man City are there for the taking, it is now.
Man City have conceded twice in seven of their last 11 Premier League games – as many times as they had in their prior 62 games in the top flight.
Erling Haaland has six goals in four league games against Man United, but he has been struggling of late, so the Red Devils will be hoping that he doesn’t regain form on Sunday.
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