4 Ways Manchester United Can Beat Manchester City in Sunday’s Derby Contest

4 Ways Manchester United Can Beat Manchester City in Sunday’s Derby Contest

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:13 PM
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B. Fernandes
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  • Manchester United are looking to make it five Premier League wins in a row when they face Manchester City in the Manchester derby
  • The Red Devils are rejuvenated after a horrific start to the season where they lost to Brighton and Brentford in embarrassing fashion
  • Man City won this fixture 6-1 on aggregate last season, breaking no sweat in the process

After a terrible start to the season, Manchester United quickly turned things around with four wins on the trot and could make it five when they face Manchester City on Sunday

In Sunday's match, a brilliant Man City team who are yet to lose a game this season will properly test United's revival.

Pep Guardiola, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Manchester City, Manchester Derby, Etihad, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford
Pep Guardiola and Erik Ten Hag will meet for the first time in their managerial careers. Photos by Shaun Botterill and Michael Regan.
Source: Getty Images

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Erik Ten Hag ditched his renowned possession-heavy philosophy after being humbled by mid-table opposition early in the season.

The Dutch tactician resorted to a pragmatic style which devastated Arsenal in their last Premier League encounter. However, will that same style hurt Pep Guardiola's silky smooth machine? Here are ways they can shock City, according to Goal.

How United can beat City

Start Rashford over Ronaldo

Marcus Rashford was ordinary last season. However, it is understandable, given how his team was in tatters all season. Rashford's pace in transition will be valuable on Sunday as opposed to Cristiano Ronaldo's clinical finishing ability. The Englishman has also scored four goals against City.

Maximise their chances

Playing against a well-oiled City machine is always difficult. Ten Hag is expected to cede possession to Pep Guardiola's side, but just like Newcastle and Aston Villa, who scored against them, they will get good chances. If they do, the likes of Antony, Rashford, and Jadon Sancho should take them well.

Shut down Haaland supply

Erling Haaland is currently unstoppable, with 11 league goals in just seven matches. Stopping the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden, and Riyad Mahrez should be United's priority. If those elite creators are nullified, Haaland will not hurt them.

Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Etihad Stadium
Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes will battle in midfield on Sunday. Photo by Daniel Chesterton.
Source: Getty Images

Exploit City with set-pieces

United have elite dead ball specialists in Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Rashford. Even though City don't give up many chances, there's evidence that suggests Pep's team will be vulnerable to set pieces and free kicks, as Newcastle showed.

Key areas the match will be won or lost

Sports Brief had earlier reported on the four key areas where the derby will be won and lost.

Lisandro Martinez's height will be scrutinised when he faces the towering Erling Haaland. The midfield battle will also come into play. Playmakers Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen will try to impose themselves and create goal-scoring opportunities for their respective teams.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
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Erik Ten HaagPep Guardiola