MANCHESTER UNITED will be hoping to prove themselves in the Manchester derby this weekend.
The Red Devils take on their cross-city rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday at Old Trafford.
Last time the two sides met, it was an unpleasant afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s side as they were hammered by City.
It was only thanks to a late brace from substitute Anthony Martial that the scoreline looked a less embarrassing 6-3 at full-time.
However since domestic football returned, fourth-placed United have looked a lot more consistent, having won their last four league games.
Whereas City have won two of their last four and drawn one and lost one.
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On top of that, they were beaten by Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in the week.
The City defence has not looked as solid as previous and United will be hoping in-form striker Marcus Rashford can continue his hot streak.
The England forward has netted seven goals in his last six games in all competitions for the Red Devils.
A win will be huge for United as it would propel them to only one point behind City – a real statement about their resurgence.
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However in order to win they will have to come up with a way of stopping Erling Haaland.
The Premier League top goalscorer was in top form the last time the sides met in October.
If they fail to stop Haaland and City pick up all three points, it could put them back on track of hunting down league leaders Arsenal.
Currently, second-placed City are five points adrift from the Gunners and need to get back into good form in order to be able to catch them and retain their Premier League title.
The striker bagged himself a hat-trick at the Etihad Stadium.
He has not slowed his scoring rate since the game, having already fired in 21 goals in only 16 league appearances.
The good news for the Red Devils is that star defender Lisandro Martinez is back match-fit after his 90-minute outing against Charlton in the Carabao Cup.
Although City have dominated the fixture in recent years, having only lost once in the last five meetings, winning the other five.
The Manchester derby kicks off at 12.30pm.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
