Man City v Man United talking points as Mourinho must find right balance

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • On current form, Manchester City should claim all three points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

    Derby day, however, has a habit of throwing a spanner in the works, something the Premier League champions know all about after their cross-town rivals delayed their coronation in dramatic fashion last season.

    Add to that a Manchester United side who don’t seem to know when its beaten lately and the encounter is hardly a foregone conclusion.

    MOURINHO’S APPROACH

    For all of United’s shortcomings on the pitch, one thing is irrefutable – they’re a far better football team when they’re on the front foot.

    Despite the accusations of an inherent negativity about his approach, manager Jose Mourinho is not actually averse to going on the offensive, even from the start.

    What the Portuguese coach is very uncomfortable doing though is relinquishing his share of control on a game. He has recently alluded to his style of operating with a fluid, attacking front three, something he claims to be working towards at Old Trafford, but also suggested that his side’s imbalance and glaring weaknesses at the back has forced him to compromise in attack.

    United have come from behind in four of their last six games in all competitions. The first halves against Newcastle United, Chelsea and Bournemouth saw them play within themselves and pay the price while their second-half displays in those encounters saw them force their way to two wins and a draw.

    Only against Everton did they start brightly and while they only won 2-1, it was a series of squandered chances that kept them from what should’ve been a comfortable victory.

    How Mourinho approaches the derby will be intriguing. Attack the champions and his side could get picked off with ease, hold back and they risk inviting a bombardment that their defence isn’t equipped to resist.

    A similar strategy to the one that was employed in Turin may be the best course of action. At Old Trafford against the Italian giants, United were dominated, only seeing about 30 per cent of the ball in the first half.

    At Allianz Stadium though, they posed a threat and while they were still second best, they rallied and came away with a crucial win. Mourinho will hope to take that momentum into the derby.

    Jose Mourinho

    Jose Mourinho

    LUKAKU OUTLOOK

    Romelu Lukaku has returned to training after missing United’s last two games through injury.

    However, it’s hard to say the Belgium international has been missed. With Alexis Sanchez starting as the centre forward instead, the Red Devils have looked a more potent attacking unit.

    The Chilean’s mobility and clever link-up play has helped United conjure openings in the final third, while Lukaku has been woefully out of touch. The former Everton striker has gone nine games without a goal for the club, missing some gilt-edged chances in the process while his poor touches and loose control has frustrated fans.

    Given his atrocious form prior to the injury setback, it seems unlikely that the 25-year-old could return in perfect shape and for a fixture of this magnitude where sharpness and efficiency in the final third will be key for the visitors.

    Anthony Martial and Sanchez have impressed and should retain their places, while Marcus Rashford’s pace and industry on the right could help track Benjamin Mendy’s runs in defence and exploit the left-back’s lax positioning when breaking forward. Lukaku could prove most useful off the bench, especially if United are chasing the game in closing stages like they tend to do lately.

    Romelu Lukaku.

    Romelu Lukaku.

    CITY WILL BE PEPPED UP

    Pep Guardiola was quick to play down suggestions that the clash at the Etihad could be the biggest game of their season, citing how early it is in the campaign.

    However, the result of this encounter will carry more weight than the Spanish tactician would have you believe.

    It’s at the same venue, in front of their expectant fans that the Citizens should’ve wrapped up the title last season. It should’ve been one of the most glorious days in the club’s history, winning the league in record-breaking fashion, at home, and against their arch-rivals. But United were writing their own script.

    Despite being 2-0 down at half-time when they should’ve been further behind, United emerged a different team in the second period and went on to complete a dramatic comeback, winning 3-2 and delaying City’s celebrations. Vengeance is most certainly on the minds of those in blue.

    In terms of the title race as well, a defeat could see City slip from top spot to third with Chelsea and Liverpool enjoying favourable home fixtures on Sunday. It may be early in the season still but given the competition at the top, Guardiola will not want to cede any ground.

    Pep Guardiola.

    Pep Guardiola.

    Recommended