For the first time in years, the Manchester Derby will be contested by two teams close together in the table.
After ten Premier League games, United are in 6th with 19 points, while City lie in 7th with 18 points. There is genuinely something to play for in Saturday’s Manchester Derby beyond local pride.
Both Manchester clubs find themselves at a pivotal point in their seasons. Up until this week, all was going well for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer. Successive away wins had people talking about whether they could compete for the title.
Since then, Paul Pogba has announced his desire to leave the team. A day after, United were eliminated from the Champions League after losing 3 – 2 to RB Leipzig.
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The Manchester Derby will be proof of whether United are here to stay this season, or if they have again flattered to deceive.
City, meanwhile, have returned to form after a stuttering start to the season. Pep Guardiola will hope the derby can be a springboard for getting their title push back on track.
City will have Sergio Ageuro back on the bench in time to face United. On paper, City have the advantage. However, Manchester United won three of the four derbys last year.
Guardiola played down their advantage ahead of the game.
“I’m pretty sure it’s a derby and we will focus and commit and this means the players are not tired, completely the opposite,” said Guardiola.
“We are in a good moment right now, I would say,” he added.
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“We are better than one month ago but that is normal. Without preparation, without time, it’s normal what happened.
“What’s important is that we are not far away from the top of the league and already qualified for the next round [of the Champions League]. This is important. Now we want to continue being there.”
