Manchester United will host neighbours Manchester City having played in midweek, but the Red Devils' game was two days later than their rivals
Man City have enjoyed two days more rest time ahead of the Manchester derby
Man City have enjoyed two days more rest time ahead of the Manchester derby
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Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca insists Manchester United "are going to be ready" despite them having 48 hours less preparation time for Sunday's derby.
The two rivals come together at Old Trafford this weekend in what is a first major test for both sides - and both teams come into the match off the back of wins to kick off their Champions League campaign.
City won 2-0 at Porto on Tuesday evening before United hammered Sabah 4-0 on Thursday - meaning Michael Carrick's side have less recovery and preparation time than their opponents.
But Maresca has referenced a similar scenario last season, which saw City as the ones with the reduced preparation time. It came before they faced Arsenal this time last year, but the Gunners had faced Athletic Bilbao on the Tuesday whilst City took on Napoli on the Thursday.
Maresca told BBC Sport: "To be honest, the club mentioned to me that it happened exactly the same last year when the club played Napoli and then, after two days, played Arsenal. Sometimes it happens in football. I don't have any doubt that Man United are going to be ready for that. It just matters to adapt."
When pushed on how Michael Carrick would look to use his resources with a turnaround of less than 73 hours, the City boss simply said: "That's a question for Michael. The only thing I can say is it happened and you need to adapt."
Last season former City boss Pep Guardiola joked he was taking his players "hiking in the mountains" so that they could suitably prepare for the game at Emirates Stadium, which they later drew 1-1 after Gabriel Martinelli scored an equaliser in injury time.
Man Utd made light work of Sabah on Thursday night
Man Utd made light work of Sabah on Thursday night(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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City head to Old Trafford, where they were beaten 2-0 last season in the first game of the Carrick era, with a 100 percent record after three games.
United meanwhile were denied the win at Everton by a stoppage time strike from Ainsley Maitland-Niles. It was the third game in succession that the Red Devils had conceded twice as questions remain over the team's defence.
"We know we have to put in a really good performance and do a lot of good things to get the result we want," said Carrick.
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