Ahead of their derby clash at Old Tafford on Saturday, Manchester United and Manchester City UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark?
Have your say by commenting below, using #360LIVE on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
OMAR OTHMAN – MANCHESTER UNITED
As we approach what is the biggest game of the season so far, Manchester United will be relishing the prospect of a first derby win under Jose Mourinho.
In the lead up to the game, the hype machine has gone into overdrive. The two managers reigniting their La Liga rivalry, the two teams still currently unbeaten, the summer investments into the squads…. And of course, the bragging rights. Manchester is RED, and it will remain that way!
Jose’s signings have all made solid impacts so far with Zlatan, Pogba, and Bailly each solidifying their respective places in the starting XI. Mkhitaryan, who is yet to really have a chance, is highly expected to have a significant impact and add value to the squad.
On the flip side, Aguero’s absence from the match has come as a big disappointment to City fans and accepted with open arms by the team in red. But that doesn’t mean United have the game won. City have more than enough pace and talent to cause United problems, and United’s defence will have to be at their very best to prevent City from forcing a breakthrough.
PREDICTION: Man United to win 2-1
LIKELY MUFC XI: De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw, Pogba, Mata, Lingard, Rooney, Martial, Ibrahimovic
MAN UTD PLAYER TO WATCH: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – He is a big game player and I anticipate he will have a massive role in the result.
MAN CITY PLAYER TO FEAR: With the absence of Aguero, I think Sterling, as much as I don’t rate him as a player, could make an impact. As long as he doesn’t have one of those on Saturday, I’m happy.
FAVOURITE MAN UNITED VS MAN CITY MOMENT: Michael Owen’s 96th minute winner in 2009… Unbelievable! Not to forget of course, both games that season were won in the same fashion, with Scholes grabbing a last minute winner in the away game.
WHERE TO WATCH: MUSC UAE members have few locations to choose from which they can call home.
In Dubai, matches are shown at Harvesters Pub in Crowne Plaza or Petals in the Time Hotel, Barsha Heights (formerly known as Tecom).
As for Abu Dhabi, the matches are screened at Coopers Bar in the Park Rotana.
CHRIS NEWBOULD – MANCHESTER CITY
Logically, this match probably doesn’t need too much in the way of introductions. The two teams may only be a couple of miles away from each other geographically, but they’re a world apart on so many other levels, and there’s little love lost between the two sets of fans, or managers this time round.
United may hold the slim advantage over all the games since the first derby in 1881, but in recent years City have held the upper hand, not least in the 1-6 turnaround at Old Trafford in 2011. It looks like a more level playing field this year, with much of the media attention focused on the longstanding rivalry between the two, newly-in-position managers, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.
Will Guardiola’s free-flowing pass and move tactics see off Mourinho’s stand-10-players-in-front-of-the-goalmouth-and-nick-a-goal-in-the-97th-minute approach? Find out on Saturday.
LIKELY XI: Bravo, Sagna, Stones, Kompany, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling, Nolito, Ihenacho
SCORE PREDICTION: City to win 2-1.
PLAYER TO WATCH: David Silva. He’s come back from the international break on fire with goals in the bag too. Same goes for Nolito. Notably, Gundogan and Sane are both fit now too, and presumably keen to get in the starting lineup, even though they’re not mentioned above. This could be interesting.
OPPOSITION PLAYER TO FEAR: Marcus Rashford – He’s the biggest threat United have. That said we don’t know for sure Mourinho will play him, so our defence will most likely be threatened by the ageing legs of the one-man ego festival that is Ibrahimovic, another Pep hater to add to the drama.
FAVOURITE MEMORY OF THE FIXTURE: Did I mention the 6-1 win at Old Trafford already?
WHERE TO WATCH: The Huddle, Citymax Al Barsha, home of the MCFC Dubai Supporters Club, etc.
