A month ago Manchester United were under major scrutiny by pundits, and their position in the top four was in doubt. Our damning defeat at home to Arsenal in the FA Cup and our gruelling fixture list left many pundits believing Liverpool’s momentum would see them creep above us and into the top four. Similarly, Manchester City were deemed to still be in the title-race and Chelsea’s unconvincing performances lead many to believe that City could still close the gap at the top. Now, a few days away from the Manchester derby, how things have changed since then.
Last weekend Manchester United clinched a fifth win in a row and have brushed aside top-four contenders and with their quicker, sharper style of football that they have begun to play, it is easy to say that United are at their best point all season. Manchester City on the other hand have lost all three of their last away matches, meaning these two teams come into this game with almost a polar opposite in form. However, in games like this form rightfully goes out the window and it’s clear that City feel the same with Kompany stating after their loss to Palace that “a derby is a derby, it doesn’t matter what place you are in the league, it’s a derby”. This should serve as a warning to United as they cannot take City’s poor run of form for granted, City have got the players and the big game mentality that can damage United, no matter their form.
United’s season so far has often left fans bewildered, but encouraged at the same time. Performances have repeatedly been stale and there has been an almost lack of urgency in their attack. Unnecessary dropped points to weaker sides such as Leicester, West Ham, Swansea and Southampton could have seen United challenging for the title, which gives fans optimism for next season. However, United have consistently picked up points playing poorly and they have suffered no consecutive defeats, showing the winning mentality they have recaptured with the arrival of Louis van Gaal. With the use of Van Gaal’s “preferred system” of the 4-3-3 along with the re-emergence of Juan Mata and Ander Herrera’s consistent performances have seen United show signs that they’ll finish the season strongly as their football has picked up pace and there is a new found swagger and confidence with the way the players are playing and fans are finally beginning to see Van Gaal’s biblical “philosophy” bare some fruit.
On the subject of Van Gaal, his impact on Manchester United this term and over past weeks have been tremendous. His arrogance rubs off on the players and his belief in himself to call massive games such as the game against Liverpool a “must win” game brings delight to the fans who endured his counter-part last season publicly proclaim “we aspire to be like City” something which chilled the blood of the fans. His record in big games is also undeniably brilliant. In games against the top five so far, he boasts the best record picking up 10 points and suffering only one defeat. Van Gaal is the manager United needed after last season’s calamity, he is a big-game manager and without doubt knows the importance of Sunday’s game not only to the fans, but for the rest of Manchester United’s season.
The best part about watching United’s recent performances is the inability to say it’s down to the good form of one player. United have truly clicked as a unit and are increasingly understanding the movements and mind-set of each other. Whilst Rooney hasn’t had the best run of form he has an unerring ability to produce on the big stages and his phenomenal record in Manchester derbies will see him fired up for the game. United’s Spaniards will also cause threat to City, Herrera’s energy and movement will help United’s midfield, whilst Mata’s ball retention, vision and finishing ability will see him causing threats cutting in from the right flank. Fellaini’s impressive form will also see his aerial dominance and strength play a big role in dealing with the likes of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho in the midfield. I can also see the an almost forgotten United player to cause City some worries and that’s the sixty-million pound man – Ángel Di María. He has registered an assist in his last two substitute appearances and with City’s lack of pace at right-back with Zabaleta and Sagna, Di Maria should cause threat down the left hand side and should be fired up by his determination to prove he has a future as United’s number seven.
United’s biggest weakness this match could be themselves. Against Arsenal during the FA Cup, Antonio Valencia was at fault for both goals, stepping in to the middle of the park at unnecessary times and a horrific passback caused Van Gaal’s evident frustration as “we gave the game away ourselves”. United’s concentration levels need to be at their peak this match to avoid any repeat of that and they have to control their passion and tempers as the worst thing would be a repeat of Chris Smalling’s horror show at the Etihad.
Manchester City have dominated these fixtures in recent times winning the last four quite convincingly. As a Manchester United fan I wouldn’t want more than a win over our noisy neighbours in what seems like forever. I have faith in Van Gaal’s drive and determination and believe City’s faltering away form and United’s newfound confidence and mentality will finally cause the undoing of City at the Theatre of Dreams. This will obviously be a fiery, passionate game under the electric atmosphere that this game will no doubt bring and I predict the Red Devils of Manchester to clinch this one.
Prediction: Manchester United 3 – 1 Manchester City
