The Manchester United vs Manchester City Premier League match will take place at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 13. It will be the fourth league match of the season for either team, with the Cityzens leading Manchester United by five points already.
A victory in the Manchester United vs Manchester City match will give Enzo Maresca’s side an opportunity to stay at the top of the league table. However, for that to happen, Manchester City’s attacking unit must fire.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: The Cityzens Are Likely to Encounter a Low Block
The Red Devils are likely to play counter-attacking football in the Manchester United vs Manchester City match, just like they did earlier this year in Michael Carrick’s first Manchester derby as a manager. Man United won the match 2-0 despite Man City dominating ball possession, and that defeat was partially responsible for the Cityzens losing out to Arsenal in the title race.
Enzo Maresca should be ready to encounter the same strategy in the Manchester United vs Manchester City match on Sunday. United will like to defend deep and break through quick counters to breach the Man City defence.
However, the Cityzens cannot afford to play it safe, as any dropped points will ultimately help Arsenal in the title race. Their attacking unit of Erling Haaland, Iliman Ndiaye, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki will have to exchange quick passes among themselves repeatedly to break open the Manchester United defence in the Manchester United vs Manchester City match.
Jeremy Doku might be sorely missed, as the Belgian winger will not feature in the match because of an injury. Doku’s speed and dribbling would have come in handy against Manchester United’s low block.
Another key player on Sunday will be Enzo Fernandez. Man City will need an extra man in their attack, and Fernandez could be that man with his ability to position himself in the final third. The Manchester City full-backs will also be crucial to provide width and stretch Manchester United’s defence wide.
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Extra Time Notes
Manchester United will be looking to hurt Manchester City through counter-attacks once again.
In this regard, it remains to be seen whether Maresca picks Abdukodir Khusanov as the right-back to play with a lopsided formation. If Khusanov plays, he will stay back with the centre-backs most of the times, thus giving Nico O’Reilly the freedom to go into overlaps frequently. Khusanov’s presence will give the Cityzens more protection against United’s counter-attacks.
Should Maresca opt to play Matheus Nunes instead of Khusanov, the Cityzens will get a steady supply of crosses from the right flank as well. That will give Erling Haaland more chances of scoring goals. The Norwegian has five goals in as many matches this season already and will be raring to go in the Manchester United vs Manchester City match.
It will also be crucial for Manchester City that Rayan Cherki is able to dictate terms in the final third. Cherki’s ability to find space for his teammates will be crucial, and Enzo Fernandez could think of taking a shot or two at the Manchester United goal from 20-25 yards out if he gets the space to shoot.
Semenyo has shown a good ability to combine with Cherki and Haaland, and it should be helpful for the Sky Blues if he is able to do that again.
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