Going into a derby is never easy, especially if it’s a Manchester Derby. In Eric Cantona’s words, ” On that day, the city gets divided into two halves, Red and Blue and whoever wins, owns the city.” So it is extremely clear that there is no dearth of passion when Manchester United face Manchester City, and this time, City start as clear favourites. Although their league position isn’t the best, yet they have qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in their history and also went to the final of the Capital One Cup. United, on the other hand, have been faltering all season, having been knocked out of both the Champions League and Europa League and are now sitting in the 6th position in the premier league. Despite all the odds, United might still be able to beat City at the Etihad stadium, but only if they address these 3 issues:
1. Exploit the left back
Left-back has certainly been a weakness for some time. Aleksandar Kolarov may be an excellent attacking outlet with one of the best crosses in the game, but he is a liability defensively, too easily beaten and caught out of position far too often. Martial or Depay, whoever plays at right wing for United, need to keep this in mind during the game. Both the youngsters have great pace and skill, so they can give Kolorov a nightmare.
2. Pass faster (urgency in passing)
United have been consistently guilty of developing slow attacks, which gives the opposition time to get back into shape. Louis van Gaal must play Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin together in the central midfield for this game on Sunday, and ask these two to pass the ball faster. With Vincent Kompany’s ongoing calf problem destabilising the back four too often, and Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi not doing it consistently, this may be the area the Red Devils can exploit the most.
3. Do better defensively
Sergio Aguero is carrying much of the responsibility to lead the line and score goals. Given his injury record, that feels a somewhat risky strategy. Wilfried Bony is struggling as his deputy and is yet to transfer his outstanding form for Swansea to the City side. Quite why Kelechi Iheanacho, their outstanding 19-year-old academy graduate who already has four goals to his name, is overlooked so frequently is a mystery to many. Whatever be the case, both Smalling and Blind must perform a lot better than they have been doing in recent weeks if United want to leave Etihad with the 3 points.
