On papers, Manchester United might be one of the last Premier League teams you will think can take a point off their city rivals base on recent showing from both sides, but even in their dark nights, Pep Guardiola side might just be here for the taking.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United have struggled recently with only two wins in their lady seven games. However, it was obvious that the Ralf Rangnick side have been too wastful in front of goal, as they have created more chances than any other side in the league since the German took over in December.
The unencouraging results has seen them fail to capitalize on the league table as they have played more games than their rivals and will feel they should have moved further on the log.
They are now at risk of missing out on a Champions League position as the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and even Tottheham Hotspur are well placed to make it into the top four than United.
As they continue to nurse their own crisis, their neighbors, Manchester City, who some weeks ago looked to have the Premier League in the bag now find themselves just six points ahead of second place Liverpool, who has a game in hand.
Despite their fierce record that has seen them lost just once in their last 16 games across all competitions, you can not but think Pep Guardiola side have become vulnerable over the last few weeks although result has prove otherwise.
The 3-2 home loss to an uninspiring Tottenham Hotspur and the laboured controversial win over Everton in their lady two league games leave one thinking they might be close to disaster.
They welcome Manchester United to the Ethiad on Sunday in what will be a really decisive game in both their seasons with United also looking not to miss out on the top four.
United have found joy in their rival’s ground of recent, winning their last three visits there and four of the last five. A feat, if maintained this weekend could turn the title race on its head.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Watford at Old Trafford on February 26, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Whilst results hasn’t been good for United, converting their chances against City could mean a long day for the defending Champions, and that will really spell disaster for City’s title defense.
Pep Guardiola confirmed Portuguese defender, Ruben Dias alongside Nathan Ake will both sit out of the derby, with the former set to miss up to four weeks of action with a hamstring complain.
The absence of the defender might not be much of a crisis for City, who parades lots of others to fill the void but the quality might not be matched, and you never know the United that will turn up on Sunday evening.
A win will see City maintain their six points lead in the least and it could get better as Liverpool also face a tricky test against visiting West Ham United.
Liverpool winning will mean West Ham will remain below United nonetheless the outcome of the derby but there is Arsenal, who already will be temporarily ahead of them with a win against Watford on Saturday.
A must-win game for both United and City and Pep Guardiola knows how unpredictable the Manchester derby, he will surely hopeful that the uncharacterized United shows up on Sunday.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
