The Manchester Derby (Manchester United vs. Manchester City) No Longer One-Sided Affair
Since the investments have flown in to Manchester City, no one can deny the fact that the local derby has grown in significance. Manchester City has
bought players and strengthened their squad, which makes them genuine contenders for the English Premier League title. On the other hand, Manchester United is probably the biggest team of England and they would always play rivals to any title contenders.
Last season, Sir Alex Ferguson brushed aside rumours that Manchester City would outshine their neighbours in the coming years in the English Premier
League. At that point, Ferguson was not ready to accept that any team would buy its way to the title. However, the first derby match was played in September last year at Old Trafford, which compelled Ferguson to change his mind. Manchester United barely made
it past City, as the final score was 4-3. Ferguson, later on, admitted that this was one of the finest derby matches in United’s history.
The Manchester United players would know that it is actually very hard to win over Sir Alex Ferguson. Therefore, his comment really suggested that Manchester
City is going to be a threat to United’s popularity in the local derby. However, last season was United’s season, as they won their away match as well. Manchester City was not as impressive in the away match and lost in the injury time, as Paul Scholes got
the winner in injury time. Also, both these teams met in the Carling Cup, and United emerged on top on the aggregate after both legs; the first one being won by City.
The match between both sides would be played in the City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday. Both United and City have remained largely unimpressive
during this season, but Ferguson’s men have still managed to hang on to the current League table leaders Chelsea. United is the only team in the English Premier League who have not lost any match this season. However, they have drawn five of their fixtures,
due to which they remain in second place, just two points behind the leaders Chelsea.
The real problem for United is that they are being hampered by injuries. The best player from last season, Wayne Rooney, will be sitting out the match.
Also, United’s best performer for this season, Nani, also remains doubtful due to an injury. Dimitar Berbatov, the top scorer for United this season, would also be a doubt for this match. Owen Hargreaves came back for United on the weekend, but he went out
after just a few minutes on the pitch. Therefore, Ferguson would have only a few options to select from for the local derby.
Roberto Mancini, the manager of Manchester City, has better options for the match. However, the biggest blow would be the loss of Mario Balotelli. The
Super Mario scored twice on the weekend, before being sent off after a bad foul. He would not be getting his debut for the local derby as he remains suspended. However, their captain Carlos Tevez would be present alongside many other quality players. On the
contrary, United would really be lacking quality in their squad.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a person known for his tactics using the media. Recently, he made comments about City spending their way to victory. He said that
his neighbours would keep on spending money until they win something. As his side is being hampered by injuries, Ferguson has to find other ways in order to let his opposition down.
A lot would rely upon United's defenders if they want to get something out of this derby. City would definitely have the edge in attacking, so the defenders
would have to keep their concentration for the whole match. The real threat for City would come on counterattacks, which is Ferguson’s favourite game plan.
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