Man United lack identity yet most suited to end Man City's air of invincibility

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  • Can anyone stop Manchester City? That’s easily the Premier League‘s most worn out question over the last couple of weeks.

    The blues have dismantled many a defence in England’s top flight this season but it’s their resolve and unwavering dedication to their cause over the last three league outings that’s really struck fear into the hearts of their rivals.

    First Huddersfield, then Southampton and most recently West Ham; all asked serious questions of City and on each occasion, Pep Guardiola‘s men rallied to deliver a late, dramatic and vehement response.

    Manchester United, fittingly, now stand between them and a record 14th successive Premier League win. It’s not just the record that’s on the line though, even at this stage of the season, a large part of the title race will be decided by the Manchester derby on Sunday.

    Lose at Old Trafford and United fall 11 points behind their neighbours, opening up a seemingly insurmountable gap between the two Manchester outfits. A victory on the other hand not only takes them within five points, but mitigates the fear factor City possess to a certain extent, offering encouragement for the rest of the division.

    There’s been no shortage of fanfare around the Citizens this season. Guardiola’s fingerprints have been all over the team’s possession play, high press and fluid attacks. It’s the Spaniard’s specific brand of awe-inspiring football that’s enamoured spectators and proved irresistible to their opponents.

    In contrast, United are still on a quest to find their own modus operandi. While they have enjoyed powering through weaker opposition this season, Jose Mourinho’s side still lack a clear approach, one that’s tailored to their strengths and would hold them in good stead even in the face of greater challenges.

    Old foes at it again

    Old foes at it again

    Instead, United are the Premier League’s chameleons, changing colours and adapting to situations. In lieu of an identity of their own, the Reds are forced to morph into whatever it is that disrupts that of their opponents.

    Although that’s not exactly a trait associated with champions, it’s precisely what makes them City’s most formidable opponents yet.

    Huddersfield, Southampton and West Ham had the right ideas. They sat back and frustrated City but despite exposing the league leaders’ vulnerabilities on the counter-attack, they lacked the quality and composure to take full advantage.

    United will aspire to a similar performance to the one that earned them a win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Mourinho is well-versed with that particular tactical plan and studied in Guardiola’s as well. In Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, he has the tools to undo his counterpart’s philosophical approach.

    The Portuguese will happily pack his midfield, close down the likes of David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne whilst denying space for City’s forwards to run in behind. All it takes at the other end is a set-piece, a longball for Lukaku, a knock-down for Martial, and the visitors’ possession will count for nothing.

    Paul Pogba’s absence is a blow but that will only force his side to be even more direct and incisive on the break, perhaps hurting City to a greater extent.

    It is a massive undertaking but at the end of the day, nothing less than a win will do for United. They’re the ones with a lot more to lose at this stage and can’t expect other teams in the division to cut City down if they are unable to do it themselves.

    They must deliver a message that resonates across the Premier League. City are not invincible.

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