Manchester United are bracing themselves for a blockbuster showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Both sides have managed just one league win apiece this season, making this derby a battle for momentum as well as bragging rights.
Manager Ruben Amorim must be wary of Man City’s sensational striker Erling Haaland, who always brings his A-game against the cross-city rivals.
The Norwegian striker has faced United five times in the Premier League, plundering six goals and three assists in that stretch.
His most iconic moment came in the 2022–23 season when he ran riot with a hat-trick in his very first Manchester Derby, inspiring City to a 6-3 thrashing.
To make matters worse for United, Haaland heads into this clash in frightening form after a fantastic international break.
Norway ripped apart Moldova in an 11-1 demolition, with Haaland at the heart of the carnage.
He wasted no time, teeing up Felix Myhre for the opener inside just six minutes.
By half-time, the striker had already smashed in a hat-trick to put Norway 5-0 up.
He added two more goals and an assist after the interval to complete his masterclass.
Amorim has to make special plans to nullify the threat of the 25-year-old.
Harry Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt could be trusted in the central defensive role, with the sole mission of keeping Haaland quiet.
They must deny him space to run in behind and never allow him a free header when crosses are whipped into the box.
A statement victory for United could ease the pressure on Amorim after a turbulent start.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com