Manchester City are currently first on the Premier League table with 66 points from 27 games. On the other hand, Manchester United are fourth with 47 points from 27 games. Both teams clash in the Manchester derby on Sunday, March 6, 2022. The result of that game could prove very decisive in the title race. Manchester City are hoping to win in order to move six points clear of second-placed Liverpool. Manchester United are also hoping to take all three points as they battle for a place in the top four. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence due to injury could be a big blow to them.
Manchester United Ex-player Gary Neville Doesn’t Consider Cristiano Ronaldo’s Absence a Big Loss
Gary Neville Believes Marcus Rashford is More Reliable for Counter-attacks Than Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville doesn’t think Ronaldo’s absence will affect the team much. The 47-year old believes Marcus Rashford, who makes the starting line-up instead, is more reliable for counter attacks. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Neville said;
“Manchester United will be playing on the counter. Over the last three or four years here, particularly under Ole, United were a counter-attacking team, really comfortable sitting back and punching out through Rashford and others. I think that will be exactly the same today.
“Ronaldo being out of the team, I could never say it’s a positive but I don’t see it as a big loss like in other games. I actually think that on the counter-attack, United need to be dangerous today and they’re better off with Rashford up front counter-attacking than they would be with Ronaldo.”
Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United has not quite lived up to expectations. The 37-year old has scored just once in his last ten games. Now there is a possibility of him missing a couple of games, depending on the extent of his injury.
Manchester United have won their last three games at the Etihad- two in the Premier League and one in the Carling Cup. They will look to continue in that form as they take on the “noisy neighbours” in one of the fiercest rivalries in club football.
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