Man City and Man Utd are both battling to get key deals over the line this summerplaceholder image
Man City and Man Utd are both battling to get key deals over the line this summer | Getty Images
Man Utd take the short trip across the city to face Man Utd with one Sky Pundit tipping Ruben Amorim to come out on top.
Aside from one shock result, Manchester United haven’t been far away this season and there are clear signs that Ruben Amorim’s message is starting to sink in.
The United boss will be happy that the decks have been cleared with those who didn’t buy into his philosophy either being sold or moved out on loan, a lot of money walked out the door as the group of expensive outcasts got their wish.
A fresh slate and a clean start plus new additions should give Amorim renewed hope and belief that he can repeat the derby victory at the Etihad last season in his first encounter with Pep Guardiola at Man City.
Paul Merson makes Man Utd derby claim
United might not be favourites, however, they have looked better in the early season fixtures and have also outperformed City statistically too. With the Red Devils already above their noisy neighbours and City having lost two out of three games already, it is a great opportunity to apply some pressure and turn the tables with one Sky Sports pundit convinced that Amorim’s men can emerge victorious.
“I thought Manchester United were really good the other day against Burnley,” said Paul Merson for Sportskeeda. “It was a bit like the Manchester United of the old times. But they still needed a penalty at the end to win that game and that is a concern if you ask me. Manchester City looked comfortable until the substitutions changed the game for Brighton. I’m looking for reasons to back City here and I can’t find any if I’m being honest!”
Merson continued: “City were terrible against Tottenham at the Etihad. I actually think Manchester United’s front-three can hurt them in this game. I say that despite having the opinion that United will not finish in the top six this season, so you can imagine what I think of City at the moment! I’m going to go for a draw but if someone told me I had to pick a winner, I would only choose Manchester United. I just don’t think Ruben Amorim’s men will lose this game.”
Are United right to be confident?
Merson has been guilty of some wild claims in the past, however, on this occasion, he presents a more than valid argument. City have looked vulnerable and there for the taking in all but their first game of the season with new players still bedding into Guardiola’s ultra organised system.
They also don’t have the previous bail out of just looking for Kevin de Bruyne to do something after his move to Napoli.
United should be aggressive and Amorim should pick a team with legs, with pace and energy to take the game to City. Not quite a high press or leave themselves open to a game of basketball, but certainly with enough attacking talent in key areas to keep them on their toes.
With one win and one draw in his two games against City so far, the United boss can be reasonably confident that he has Guardiola’s number. A third derby without defeat and the Portuguese boss will have every reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.
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