Manchester United can look forward to the derby against City with confidence but also concern.
Despite the form curves in recent seasons, the “Red Devils” have won three of the four most recent duels in the Premier League. City travels to Old Trafford as a league loser before the hit on Saturday (1.30 p.m.). It was 0-2 at home against Crystal Palace. In the table, the champions are currently in third place, United are three points behind in fifth.
“It’s going to be a special game. We want to show what we are capable of, ”says ManUnited coach Ole Gunner Solskjaer.
Comparison with Michael Jordan
United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still feeling a lot of pressure. His team has been inconsistent this season. Good performances are followed by inexplicably weak ones like the 0: 5 at Old Trafford against Liverpool. There is also criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, even though the old Portuguese star scores goal after goal. At 2-2 away at Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League, he saved United from a setback with a brace. Solskjaer then compared Ronaldo to basketball legend Michael Jordan.
“He always makes for those special moments. I’m sure the Chicago Bulls haven’t complained about having Michael Jordan on the team,” said Solskjaer. Ronaldo fulfills his role. “He scores goals.” Critics had noted that the 36-year-old barely made meters in defensive work – as did his compatriot and playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
Varane has to fit
Solskjaer has to do without Raphael Varane, who was able to stabilize the defense recently. The French world champion is out for about a month due to a thigh injury. Above all, the defensive will be required against City. United are expected to rely on counterattacks as they have done in recent duels.
City acted convincingly on the European stage in the middle of the week in a 4-1 win against Bruges. But coach Pep Guardiola knows that another national slip could be uncomfortable for him too. For club owners, only the title counts in the championship.
City jagt Chelsea
Chelsea are currently five points ahead of the sky blues as the front runner. Liverpool are second three points behind. The “Reds” for goal guarantee Mohamed Salah are in action on Sunday at West Ham, Chelsea will play on Saturday at Stamford Bridge against Burnley for the sixth league win in a row.
Tottenham appear in the first Premier League game under neo-coach Antonio Conte at Everton. Daniel Bachmann, who has only been on the bench in the past few weeks, will be in action at Arsenal on Sunday with newly promoted Watford. Ralph Hasenhüttl was already involved with Southampton on Friday evening at home against Aston Villa.
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