Carabao Cup 2019-20: 3 ways how Manchester United can defeat Manchester City

Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening.

The first leg ended in a convincing 1-3 away victory for Pep Guardiola's side and with away goals not counting in the competition, United still have a glimmer of hope of pulling off a remarkable comeback. The Red Devils recently defeated Tranmere Rovers 6-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, whilst City overcame the challenge of Championship club Fulham at the Etihad, winning 4-0.

United are really struggling in the Premier League and currently sit in fifth place, with 34 points from 24 matches, which is level with Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

As for City, they're in second place in the league but are 16 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. With things not going as planned in the league, the Carabao Cup serves as a good opportunity for both teams to add silverware to their trophy cabinet, and City will be hungry to defend their crown.

United have come through the tests of Rochdale, Chelsea, and Colchester in the Carabao Cup so far this season, beating Frank Lampard's Blues 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the round of 16. City have had a similar run, beating Preston North End, Southampton, and Oxford United en route to the semi-finals.

It takes either a massive slice of luck or a tactical masterplan to overcome City and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping for a bit of both to take down the noisy neighbours on Wednesday under the Etihad floodlights.

There's no doubt that the stadium will be packed and crackling with excitement, but United's youngsters need to keep a cool head and try to pull off a spectacular comeback.

United are without top scorer Marcus Rashford, which makes things even harder, but there are still a few ways that the Reds can breach City.

1) Rapid counter-attacks

If United's midfielders can put balls in behind the City full-backs, they have a chance

City, as all Guardiola teams are, love to dominate the ball and keep possession for long spells of the match.

The way United can combat this is attack swiftly when the home side loses possession, just as they executed to perfection during their win at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League earlier this season.

As mentioned before, Rashford won't be there this time so the Reds need to use the pace of Daniel James, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood effectively.

James is one of the quickest players in world football and if United's midfielders can put balls in behind the City full-backs, then that could prove to be very successful for the Reds.

However, it's crucial that when the Reds do win the ball back, they don't try to force the issue and panic, because that will play directly into the hands of the hosts.

City love to win the ball back quickly, so if United's players panic then it will result in either a heavy touch or a bad control and once that happens, City will be in and in a good position to strike.

2) Attack wide areas

Pace on the flanks is a strategy that United will have to exploit

City were undone by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at the Etihad largely due to winger Adama Traore. His pace and quality on the flank caused them all sorts of problems, and that is the perfect blueprint for United.

City's full-back's push very high up the pitch and almost become wingers, which leaves gaping holes in wide areas for United to attack.

If James and Martial can occupy these empty areas, when United win the ball back, it will give them the perfect chance to attack City where it hurts. However, to do this requires a lot of discipline because in a game of this magnitude, it is very easy to get sucked towards the ball, rather than going into areas where there is space.

James has slowed down somewhat since his remarkable start at United and Wednesday could be the ideal match for him to get back to his best for the club.

Crystal Palace did the same at the Etihad, as Wilfried Zaha's quality on the flank resulted in the late equaliser a few weeks ago.

3) Defend as a unit

Manchester City is hungry to defend their title and grab silverware

There's one thing City love, and that is a disjointed defence because with the quality of David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva etc, they will find the pass to expose gaps in the backline.

If United's back four and midfield can remain compact, limiting the space for City to play, then that is certain to frustrate the hosts.

Again, Wolves are the perfect example. They defended very close to each other, which meant City could not get through with their usual regularity.

Crucial to this plan is Harry Maguire, who is the captain and leader of the defence. He loves to bring the ball out from the back but on this occasion, he's going to need to keep it simple and effective because City will ensure they pressurise him heavily.

It's important that the United defenders pick their passes, rather than just clearing the ball up the field because that will result in wave after wave of City attacks, which will tire the defenders out.

If United can master these plans, then a place in the final could well be on the cards.