Pep Guardiola discusses Manchester derby ahead of Old Trafford showdown

Manchester United are preparing for potentially their biggest game of the season as the Manchester derby is coming up this weekend, with Erik ten Hag’s men aiming to make it nine wins in a row in all competitions.

United have lost just one game since the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium and will move within one point of their bitter rivals with a win on Saturday.

Ten Hag made wholesale changes in United’s 3-0 win over Charlton earlier this week, with several first-team players rested ahead of the derby.

Speaking prior to Manchester City’s game against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, manager Pep Guardiola has discussed the derby, insisting he has not decided on his line-up yet.

“I would like to arrive against United with the average of minutes in the legs of the players quite similar because I have a few ideas, thoughts, ridiculous ones against United,” Guardiola told the press, according to the Metro.

“I didn’t watch the last [United] games. I have to see the way they play at home [against Charlton on Tuesday] and if they change something. I have to still review it. That is why I don’t have a clear line-up against United.”

The 6-3 scoreline flattered United last time around and Ten Hag will be desperate to put things right in this game. The stellar home form should give the side great confidence in coming out of the game with all three points.
The storied rivalry is also the start of a crucial week for the Reds, with games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal scheduled for the following week.
SN’s verdict…
United have positioned themselves well for a top-four finish after a tumultuous start to the season but a win over City could genuinely kickstart a title charge.
What Guardiola means by ‘ridiculous ones’ is anyone’s guess but Ten Hag could further cement his status as one of the most popular men in Manchester by overseeing another famous derby win.
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