Former Manchester United striker turned BBC Sport pundit Dion Dublin says if Manchester United show up in the 192nd Manchester derby, it could turn out to be a “close one” even though the two teams find themselves in very different positions in the league.
City are in second place, breathing down Liverpool’s neck in first, while United are eight points adrift of the top four in sixth place.
United have only lost one match since the beginning of the 2024 – a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford last weekend – and City appear to be gaining momentum in their hunt for a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
“United have won four of their past five in the league, so while they are not playing great football, they seem to be nicking the points where they need to in the league,” Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“But listen, when the derby comes around form does not matter.
“We know that City are possibly the best side and the best squad in the league at the moment. But I was very lucky to speak with Mr Ten Hag in midweek for Football Focus about the weekend’s game, and he was very, very positive.
“He was saying that the [morale on] the training ground is fine and saying we are all together.”
When it came to discussing City, Dublin added: “City should win this four or five, on paper, easily because of the way they score goals. Haaland got another five in midweek and alongside De Bruyne, the two of them together are outstanding.
“However, when it comes to the pride of the city, and being able to leave your house on Monday morning, knowing that you have given blood, sweat and tears, it kind of changes the narrative of the game.
“If Manchester United don’t turn up, they could get done by four or five. If they do turn up, and every single player does what they can, this could be a close one.
“Come Sunday, if you haven’t hit your form just right, then you could get a jab on the chin.”
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