Manchester United vs Manchester City: It is going to be another Manchester Derby in the City of Manchester on January 14, 2022, at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s current form gives them an upper edge against their rival, with Manchester City winning just two out of four matches.
Earlier in the season, Pep Guardiola inflicted the biggest defeat on Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford. Now, the Dutch manager has all his mind set on ending Guardiola’s dominance in the Premier League.
Preview
Manchester United currently sit in 4th place on the Premier League table with 35 points from 17 matches.
Manchester United continues its post-World Cup form after qualifying for the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. The Red Devils defeated Charlton Athletic 3-0.
The Red Devils started with a weaker side in a bid to rest their best players for the oncoming derby.
A 17-year-old midfielder named Kobbie Mainoo made his debut in the heart of the Manchester United midfield.
After Antony’s excellent goal, Marcus Rashford, the team’s best player at the moment, came on to score two goals in the second half.
Rashford was named Man of the Match for his goal-scoring ability.
Since Manchester United were extremely poor due to the lack of power and direction in the midfield, Erik Ten Hag brought on Christian Eriksen, Aaron Wan Bissaka, and Casemiro.
The Brazilian created an assist for Marcus Rashford’s third goal.
Manchester City suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Southampton, who scored two goals in the first half. Southampton were in the driving seat after Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenpo scored.
Guardiola started his young players with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland on the bench.
Manchester City registered zero shots on target even with the introduction of Haaland and De Bruyne.
It was a scary moment for Guardiola, who does not believe his team would be eliminated by a team that currently sits in the relegation zone.
Guardiola sees a Manchester Derby victory as a way to make amends with Manchester City fans for the humiliating loss.
Team News
Ten Hag explained in the press conference in previous matches that Jadon Sancho is back at Old Trafford, but he is unlikely to start now.
He does not want to rush the England star; Sancho is doubtful and would not face his former club.
Axel Tuanzebe is out with a long-term injury. Donny Van De Beek is also out of the Manchester Derby after suffering a serious injury against Everton in the FA Cup.
Van De Beek is likely to miss the rest of the season. Diogo Dalot, who was replaced by Aaron Wan Bissaka in the Carabao Cup against Charlton, left the game as a precaution according to Erik ten Hag. He has a chance to play against Manchester City.
On the other hand, Manchester City’s Ruben Dias is out of the match due to a thigh muscle strain; his return date is unknown.
Prediction
Looking at Manchester City’s previous matches, they have played poorly, but they always get results against Manchester United. Guardiola wants to reduce the gap between his team and Arsenal for the title race.
Prediction: Manchester United 1:2 Manchester City
Predicted Line Up
Manchester United Predicted Line Up: David de Gea; Aaron Wan Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Emi Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen; Antony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, Antony ; Marcus Rashford.
Manchester City Predicted Line Up: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva; Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish
