MANCHESTER UNITED go into the this weekend’s derby as underdogs – but thanks to the surprise 2-1 win over Tottenham, fans will have a renewed sense of optimism.
It’s what supporting a team is all about isn’t it? As we’ve seen countless times over the years, you never quite know what can happen in a derby game like this.
A win for Man Utd in the derby could be crucial for Solskjaer’s job securityCredit: EPA
Solskjaer knows what it takes to win a derby from his days as a playerCredit: Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is thought to be going with an unchanged starting XI from that massive Spurs victory.
Marcus Rashford is in red-hot goalscoring form with nine in his last 10 United appearances, including a Man of the Match display against Tottenham.
Meanwhile Scott McTominay is just as important from the middle of the park – and the pair will be need to be fit and raring to go if United are to leave the Etihad with the points.
United’s current four-match unbeaten league run is their longest of the season. But don’t be deceived, they’ve only won only one of their past 11 Premier League away matches.
Against the big teams, Solskjaer does tend to excel – and his side are unbeaten in their last five league games against other Big Six teams.
But this is still a great Manchester City side, regardless of their indifferent start to the season.
The blue half of Manchester trail leaders Liverpool by 11 points and have to somehow leapfrog Leicester in second place before starting to chip away at the Reds’ lead.
That’s probably about as positive as it gets from a United point of view though.
After all, City – who were beaten by Wolves at the Etihad in October – have never lost more than one Premier League home fixture in a season under Pep Guardiola.
Whether United have turned a corner under Solskjaer or not, they’ll need to be at their best… and have a little bit of luck on Saturday.
Gabriel Jesus will be the one to watch and seems to be taking his opportunity while Sergio Aguero is out of the team with injury.
But he’ll be conscious of the fact he hasn’t scored in TEN appearances at the Etihad in all competitions since March.
Amidst all the debate there is one simple fact: If City turn up as expected and play well – they’ll win.
Talk of a United resurgence is quite premature and silly, in truth.
There won’t be many fans making the short trip across the city thinking United can make it two wins in three days.
Solskjaer probably has enough credit in the bank to get through to the January transfer window now.
A victory against City on Saturday might even quash rumours of Ed Woodward’s pursuit of the unemployed Mauricio Pochettino altogether.
But ahead of the game one question lingers: Was Solskjaer’s result against Tottenham really another false dawn or are we starting to see his grand plan take some shape?
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the next two games give his team the chance to prove themselves
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
