United host City in Enzo Maresca’s first derby as head coach
By Neel Shelat
United with the upper hand in recent meetings
Although City have gone from being ‘noisy neighbours’ to establishing themselves as the more successful Manchester club over the last couple of decades, Manchester United have continued to find joy in head-to-head clashes. The Red Devils have lost just one and won three of these two sides’ last six meetings. Their most recent face-off saw the hosts emerge 2-0 victors at Old Trafford in January, marking an auspicious beginning to Michael Carrick’s current stint as head coach.
In fact, United have maintained a respectable record of 10 wins, three draws and 13 defeats against their city rivals in the last decade, over the course of Pep Guardiola’s tenure. With the ex-Barcelona tactician now out of the way, the Red Devils will be keen to show City who’s boss in Manchester.
Manchester City taking their time to grow into games
Enzo Maresca’s first match in charge of Manchester City did not quite go to plan as they were outclassed by Arsenal in the Community Shield, but they have won all four meaningful matches since. Interestingly, they have scored just two first-half goals thus far, half as many as they have netted after the 75th minute.
The theme of late surges was set in their Premier League season opener against Bournemouth, a come-from-behind victory courtesy of goals in the 84th minute and stoppage time. United, on the other hand, dropped points against Everton last week due to a pair of late concessions, so they will have to be extra alert in the second half if they are to get a result here.
Team news
Manchester United have a few injuries to contend with this weekend. Carlos Baleba’s ankle injury has kept him from making his debut for the club, while Amad and Matthijs de Ligt are also yet to make their first appearances of the season. Manuel Ugarte, meanwhile, will miss the majority of the campaign due to an ACL injury from the World Cup. Backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also out this weekend.
Manchester City have missed Nico O’Reilly and Jérémy Doku on their left wing recently. Both have returned to training, with the former likelier to feature since his was a minor issue.
Key players
Bruno Fernandes is in fine form, having scored a Premier League hat-trick two weeks ago before going on to star in United’s Champions League return. Kobbie Mainoo will have a big job to do behind him, as will Lisandro Martínez in what will be a physical mismatch for the Argentine international.
Erling Haaland has scored over half of Manchester City’s goals this season with a return of five in the last four games. The dynamic between the positionally strict Maresca and free-roaming Rayan Cherki will be interesting to follow throughout the season, though the Italian tactician will hope that his former Chelsea captain Enzo Fernández can provide the necessary balance to unleash the Frenchman.
Prediction
Manchester United have not kept a Premier League clean sheet at Old Trafford for over six months, and are likely to fall short as a result.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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