Ten Hag says that United must ‘act as a winner’ against Man City
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given his assessment of how he intends to play against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Line-ups
Manchester United
Manchester City
Man City Will Go All Out
#1
Man United, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League table and level on points with Newcastle United in third, have accumulated more points (35) than any other team since and including their 2-1 victory over Liverpool on August 22, winning 11 of their 15 matches during this period.
#2
Victory for Ten Hag and co would move them to within one point of City in second place and six points behind leaders Arsenal, who follow up Sunday’s North London derby with a clash against United next weekend. Audacious conversations of a potential title charge for the Red Devils may soon come to the fore should their strong form continue, with 20 league games still remaining.
#3
The reigning top-flight champions have seen their impeccably high standards slip slightly in recent months, dropping eight points from as many league matches, while they have also failed to score in four of their last seven away games across all competitions. However, Guardiola’s side will relish a derby-day trip to Man United having won nine of their last 14 visits to Old Trafford in all tournaments since and including their iconic 6-1 league triumph in October 2011.
#4
A perfect way for City to rebuild their momentum ahead of a challenging fixture schedule – including two games each against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – would be to secure a record 19th Premier League victory over the Red Devils this weekend, completing a record sixth top-flight double over their bitter rivals in the process.
#5
After scoring six against Ten Hag’s side at the Etihad just three months ago – courtesy of memorable hat-tricks bagged by Erling Braut Haaland and Phil Foden – City could also break their own club record for the most goals scored against United in a single campaign (eight goals in 1954-55) if they find the net at least three times on Saturday.
DPP Verdict
The Manchester derby has a lot to live up to following the nine-goal thriller in October, and a tighter affair is to be expected this time around considering the significant improvements made by Man United in recent months. However, Man City tend to respond well following a defeat and with a number of star names set to be recalled to their starting lineup, we can see Guardiola’s side securing three valuable points to put pressure on Arsenal at the Premier League summit.
