Pranav Nair
Fernandinho reveals that Manchester City hold the advantage over Manchester United in the title race
According to ESPN Brasil (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester City star Fernandinho believes they hold the advantage over Manchester United in the Premier League title race.
The Red Devils are currently top of the league this season after four games played. City were pushed by United last season but eventually won the league by 12 points. Having reinforced well this summer, United will hope to get much closer to unseating their rivals.
While Fernandinho admits United have a strong squad on paper, City are better acquainted with each other and are well-equipped to deal with the challenge.
“Both teams have a very good squad. Perhaps one or the other will take a very small advantage.”
While it is true United have a brilliant squad, they are still figuring out their best setup under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Pep Guardiola’s side already have excellent chemistry and have been together for years. Despite having added Jack Grealish, the Blues have a long-serving core leading them on.
“Due to the standard of play, the way we have played for five or six years with Pep, we have a defined standard of play, we know exactly how each player behaves or should behave on the field, we know about quality of each player and how he can play the best role in the matches.”
Not only are City’s players well versed with each other but also have experience of winning the title. They have won three titles in the last five years and have looked nigh on unstoppable at times.
“We have a little more advantage. Having practically the same players since 2017, it’s no wonder the club managed to win three titles in the last five.”
Fernandinho’s comments are not without merit. United, for all their riches, failed to not just get the three points but also show any initiative after being reduced to ten men against Young Boys.
It is fair to say that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had his priorities wrong and can be directly accused of throwing away the game. While we may have players who can give City a run for the money, it is fair to say that as far as managerial acumen is considered, Guardiola clearly holds the upper hand.
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United have the resources at their disposal to challenge for the title. However, we have failed to show the consistency and ambition on the field to warrant such status. After all, the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown the ability to grind out results so far. It is far from a two-horse race for the trophy.
