Manchester United go into the 192nd Manchester derby having won six of their past seven matches. On Sunday, the Reds face a Pep Guardiola side that has gone 35 home matches unbeaten.
Sadly, United’s poor start to the 2023/24 campaign means we are having to play catch-up for the remainder of the season.
We know that United will be up against it when they take on City, but it’s not an impossible task to get a result. Erik ten Hag needs his players at their very best, though, otherwise it could get embarrassing.
As things stand, City are in the running to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title. That’s why Guardiola’s treble winners go into the 192nd derby as favourites.
Stretty News spoke to Man City fan and editor of Esteemed Kompany, Adam Marrett, to get his inside track on our rivals.
Who will put up the biggest challenge to Man City for the Premier League title this season?
Adam: “It’s hard to separate Arsenal and Liverpool this season but I’m leaning towards Liverpool. They’ve been our biggest rival over our run of 5 Premier League titles in 6 years. Jurgen Klopp’s team always brings the best out of us and has pushed us to the final day on several occasions.
“With Klopp having announced his decision to leave at the end of the season it does appear to give Liverpool extra incentive this season. I do feel that Arsenal will be pushing all the way this season, especially after learning some valuable lessons in last season’s title race but if I had to split the two I feel Liverpool is our biggest challenger this season.”
Are you confident ahead of the derby?
Adam: “I’m confident if we are at our best on the day we will win. Derbies are always 50/50 games but if we play our best football I can’t see United getting a result.
“With the stakes being so high in the Premier League title race I think we will be up for the game and that gives me the confidence that City can pick up three points tomorrow.”
What do you say to those that claim City’s success is down to cheating, with 115 charges hanging over your head?
Adam: “I don’t get drawn into that discussion. There will be a resolution on the 115 charges in the near future and hopefully, the matter can be put to bed. I’m confident that Manchester City will clear the club’s name and ultimately be cleared of the charges but that does appear to be some time away yet.
“I prefer to focus on matters on the pitch. Pep Guardiola and his squad have produced some of the best football ever seen in England and across Europe. There’s no doubt of that and they’ve given me some of the best years of my life as a City fan in recent years. Whatever happens with the 115 charges those special moments during the Guardiola era and all the way back to the FA Cup win in 2011 are memories that can’t be taken away.
“I don’t give a lot of weight to other people’s opinions on our club and the charges. I do think some of the mud will stick given the coverage of the case regardless of the outcome. People can think what they like at this stage but it doesn’t affect my experience as a Manchester City fan over the journey.”
Who has been your best player this season?
Adam: “It’s between two for me. Rodri and Phil Foden this season. If I had to pick one I’d go with Rodri.
“Rodri should have won the Ballon d’Or and he’s continued that form this season. It’s a well-known fact we aren’t the same team without Rodri and he’s been levels above any other midfielder in world football this season. He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves externally but in my opinion, he’s been our best player this season and will be vital to our chances of defending the treble this campaign.”
How long is Pep Guardiola going to stick around for?
Adam: “I think we will get at least one more contract extension from Guardiola at City. So if I had to give a number on that I think we will get 3 more seasons from Pep before he calls it a day at Manchester City.
“I hope he never leaves the club but I also know nothing lasts forever. He’s the best manager in the game in my opinion and the longer he stays at City the better. I hope when he does leave the club his era of success is given the respect it deserves. He’s changed the game in England and left a mark on the Premier League, unlike any other manager in Premier League history.”
What do you think of Manchester United a) the club; b) the team; c) the manager; d) the fans?
Adam: “The Manchester City fan in me hates everything United. That’s a given but I’ll answer these questions honestly and take the City glasses off.
“a) I think Manchester United the club is a sleeping giant that has been overtaken by other clubs including Manchester City. The appointment of Omar Berrarda as United’s CEO does give a sense of satisfaction as a City fan.
“Given the way the club has been run over the past decade, it appears from the outside to have fallen off its perch that was built during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. If they can get the off-field appointments right I do see United coming back to the top of English football. But in the same breath, it is a long journey back to compete with us, Liverpool, Arsenal and others.
“I respect United’s past achievements, especially in the 90’s and 2000’s as they ruined mine and a lot of other clubs’ fan’s childhoods. But currently, that feels like it’s a long way away.
“To sum it up Manchester United remind me of the fallen local sporting hero who is quick to remind everyone of how good they were back in their day. That day has long gone and it’s a long way back to the top of the English game.
“b) The current Manchester United team appears to be in its rightful place in 6th in the Premier League table. Not quite good enough to challenge for the top four and nowhere near challenging for the title.
“There are no doubt some quality players in the current United squad but as a team, it appears lacking in quality.
“No doubt they are capable of springing an upset tomorrow but I do feel they sit in their rightful place in the Premier League given the quality of the squad.
“c) I don’t think that Erik ten Haag is the right man for the United job. He was great at Ajax but doesn’t appear suited to Manchester United and I can’t see what he is trying to implement on the pitch. I think he’ll be replaced in time as he is a level below the top managers in the Premier League and across Europe in my opinion.
“d) I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about Manchester United fans though I do find them amusing at times. It does appear from the outside that they believe it is their right to win all the time given the club’s history but football doesn’t work that way. I do find the anti-Glazer protests amusing given how much United has spent over the journey to remain just below the best teams in England.”
All-time City hero and why?
Adam: “Nicky Weaver would be my all-time Manchester City hero. His heroics against Gillingham earned his place in Manchester City history and for that, he’s always been a favourite player of mine.”
Favourite City XI from players you’ve seen?
Adam: “Nicky Weaver, Kyle Walker, Vincent Kompany, Richard Dunne, Danny Tiatto, Nigel De Jong, Yaya Toure, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero.”
Scoreline prediction for Sunday?
Adam: “I’m going 3-1 Manchester City on Sunday. I think United will grab one on the counter but I think we’ll have too much quality on the day and it will show over the 90 minutes.”
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Can’t disagree with most of what he said there . The 115 ? I think he is being naive . I believe City have moved heaven and earth to conceal their dodgy dealings and will ultimately be relegated . The only question really is , how many divisions ?