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Manchester United will be gearing up for their biggest test this Sunday when they go head-to-head against a formidable Manchester City side. In recent years, the Manchester derby hasn't lived up to its billing.
A transitional Manchester United and a clumsy Manchester City were to be blamed for it. Fans of not just these two clubs, but rather, football fans, in general, wanted back the classical, high tempo Manchester derby.
And finally, it looks like our wishes might be fulfiled. A match that is build up as the 'Match of the Season', A match that might end up being the 'Title Decider', a match that might finally put an end to Manchester City's 'Invincible form', a match that the whole world is waiting for!
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While many would favour Manchester City to win this match, Manchester United might just have a big chance of destroying Manchester City on Sunday. That being said, here are 5 reasons why Manchester United will thrash Manchester United -
#5 Old Trafford is a 'fortress'
Just recently, Manchester United defeated CSKA Moscow 2-1 to finish at the top of their Champions League group. The win, however, brought some records with it. Manchester United equalled a historic club record by remaining undefeated at Old Trafford for 40 matches in all competitions.
In those 40 games, there were 29 wins and 11 draws, in which 85 goals were scored and just 17 were conceded.
Even this season, Manchester United have looked way sharper in the home games, than away games, and they have a record of 7 wins out of 7, scoring 20 and conceding just one.
In fact, the last loss at Old Trafford was against Guardiola's Manchester City in 2016. So, Mourinho would be looking to turn things around this time.
#4 Manchester City's problems with set-pieces
If there has been one frailty in this otherwise superb Manchester City side, then that is defending from set-pieces. Be it against West Brom or Huddersfield, defending from set pieces and long balls has been a big problem.
Even in their last Premier League match against West Ham, Ogbonna had no problem whatsoever in guiding the ball past Ederson from a well-rehearsed corner.
Manchester United are a big and a powerful side. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Chris Smalling and Nemanja Matic would be gearing to pounce on this frailty. And if Fellaini gets fit to start the match, then we would see a lot of long balls being played by Manchester United.
Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany have been too slow to react to these set pieces. With John Stones out with a hamstring injury, United's power in the air will be a strong test for City's defence.
#3 United's defensive record
If Manchester United were splendid in defence last season, then this season they have embarked to become even more superior. Conceding just 9 goals in 15 matches, Manchester United's defence has been absolutely solid. In the Premier League, Manchester United hold the record for conceding the least amount of goals this season.
Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young look to be in top form. Victor Lindelof was the only defender that was looking a bit shaky at the start of the season, but in recent matches, he too has regained back his form which he showed while playing for Benfica.
Even if the defence gets beaten, they have arguably The world's best goalkeeper behind them, who saves United's bacon most of the time. Ask Arsenal about it!
2) United's counter-attacking ability
Sudden high pressing and quick counter-attacking ability have paid dividends for Manchester United this season. Many times this season, Manchester United have pressed their opponents to get quick counter-attacking goals.
Manchester United have a different style of pressing than that of Liverpool or Manchester City. The difference between United's pressing and Liverpool's pressing, is that United do not high press for most parts of the game, but rather, they press selectively, whenever they see a poaching opportunity.
And also, pressing is left to only one or two players and not the whole attacking unit.
Lingard was previously used as a 'Dummy Runner' by Mourinho in his first season, but in this season he might have found the real strength of Lingard's game. Ashley Young, too, perfectly fits into this counter-attacking style of play as covers the left flank when the winger cuts inside for a run.
1) Mourinho's tactics
Samuel Eto'o once said this about Mourinho - “As a big game approaches, he becomes someone else”. This has been proved time and again by Mourinho, his tactics on a given day, in a special match, has been phenomenal. Last year's Chelsea drubbing and this season, winning squeamishly against Tottenham, shows his calibre in big matches.
It would be interesting to see how Mourinho lays out his team! Does he approach City like he did with Tottenham by closing the gaps, or attack them high at the start like at Emirates? In both the cases, his sole goal will be to defeat Manchester City and not to hold them for a draw, as said by critics.
Mourinho will surely be looking to oppress Manchester City's midfield which is on a rampaging run. If Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva are not allowed to play freely, then it could help in freezing Manchester City's attack.
Disclaimer: This article conveys the writer's opinion, and does not necessarily reflect Sportskeeda's opinion on the matter
