Ruben Amorim hopes to build on the momentum of three European points when his Manchester United troupe take the short trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City.
This 142-year-old rivalry has undergone significant change throughout the years: from a first meeting as Newton Heath and St. Mark’s to a modern setting which plays out on screens across the globe.
Both clubs are experiencing a troublesome domestic period, with Amorim’s side closer to the Premier League relegation zone in 13th (seven points) than Manchester City in 5th (eight points).
But Pep Guardiola is knee-deep in the most significant capitulation of his managerial tenure, winning one of 10 fixtures and enduring five-straight defeats in this time.
Notably, United’s Etihad record has suffered in recent years. The Reds have lost the previous four visits by an aggregate scoreline of 15-6 and have not claimed the bragging rights since a 2-0 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer-inspired victory in 2021.
That said, there is a growing opinion that United can capitalise on their neighbour’s shortcomings and leave a lasting impression on their hosts.
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In somewhat of an anomaly, Luke Shaw appears to be the only absentee from the Manchester United first-team squad.
Veteran defender Jonny Evans has continued his rehabilitation during midweek, and our Portuguese tactician is pleased with his progress.
When probed about availability following Thursday’s win against Viktoria Plzen, Amorim appeared relatively confident he had sustained no fresh concerns.
“It was five minutes ago, so I have to see it,” he told MUTV.
“But no, just some players were tired in the end, you could see it, also because of the transitions it was a crazy game in the end today.
“But I think everyone is going to be fit and ready to win the game.”
Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro were unused substitutes in Plzen and are knocking at the door for a starting birth. Additionally, game-winning hitman Rasmus Hojlund is primed to lead the line, having joined the Old Trafford history books with his European marksmanship.
Pep is without Rico Lewis, and there are question marks surrounding the availability of Manuel Akanji and John Stones.
Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain long-term absentees.
Despite their form, United face a mammoth task in ending a run of three straight Premier League away defeats against City.
Nevertheless, Guardiola has witnessed his group concede at least twice in seven of their previous 11 competitive fixtures, with the prospect of Matheus Nunes featuring at wing-back for the Spaniard.
Back-to-back domestic defeats have hampered the early momentum for Amorim, with United last losing three consecutive League fixtures in 2015 under the guidance of Louis van Gaal.
But, the former Sporting kingpin has never endured three beatings on the bounce in his top-flight managerial career. Let’s hope he can maintain that particular record.
How do you feel ahead of the latest Manchester Derby? Will United get the job done against City?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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