Sep 20
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview
This has to be the most eagerly anticipated derby in years, nay decades. Well certainly in my lifetime anyway.
City’s start to the season, culminating in the 4-2 defeat of Arsenal last weekend, will have surely seen United supporters with even the deepest of hatred towards our city neighbours at least acknowledge that they have, thus far, looked impressive.
Many quarters are even rather prematurely suggesting that Mark Hughes’ side are ready to mount an assault on the top four and even a serious title challenge. Well with all due respect, it’s one thing struggling past the likes of Blackburn, Wolves and Portsmouth but it’s quite another coming to Old Trafford and getting a positive result.
The record books and any chat of previous meetings shouldn’t really count for much on Sunday but here’s a brief overview for the statistically conscious among us. In total, United have won 61 of the 151 Manchester derbies that have taken place including a double victory in the league last season. If you needed even more reason for optimism, City have only won one of their 12 trips to Old Trafford since the inception of the Premier League.
Following the midweek triumph over Besiktas there are no fresh injury worries although Rio Ferdinand remains a massive doubt having missed the game in Istanbul. That will mean that Jonny Evans will continue to develop his partnership with Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence in front of the ever-improving Ben Foster.
At full-back Sir Alex will look to Patrice Evra and probably John O’Shea while Nani and Antonio Valencia should start on either flank having performed well, if not spectacularly, on Tuesday evening.
Having been rested for the Champions League opener, Darren Fletcher will come back into the side and with Paul Scholes suspended, Anderson or Ryan Giggs should get the nod alongside the Scot with Michael Carrick missing out.
Now a Ferguson line-up wouldn’t be complete without some sort of tactical surprise although this United fan is sincerely hoping that the manager opts for a 4-4-2 formation with Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney spearheading the attack.
City’s attacking problems have been well documented heading into Sunday’s encounter, with Craig Bellamy the only fully fit and available striker at their disposal. Carlos Tevez may well receive a tirade of abuse if he plays but Ferguson believes that the absence of Emmanuel Adebayor, who is serving a three-match suspension for his Arsenal antics, is far more significant.
“I am not bothered whether Tevez plays or not – Manchester City’s best player won’t be playing,” the United boss said.
“Adebayor is their star player, there is no question about that. He has scored in every game so far.”
Ferguson went on to claim that City behaved in an “arrogant and cocky” manner by unveiling their now rather infamous Tevez ‘Welcome to Manchester’ poster and the Scot insisted that he sees fixtures against Liverpool as the true derby matches.
“To me, Liverpool has always been the derby,” he added.
“It is because of the history. My aim was always to do well against them. It is hard for me to think any other way.”
Personally I would get hold of a replica of the poster and hang it in the dressing room before kick-off. If the player’s are looking for an added incentive to be fired up for the derby then that would surely provide it.
Anyway, back to previewing the game and there’s no doubt that Hughes’ side will fancy their chances at Old Trafford and probably more than they ever have done before. Given the millions they have spent on fresh talent in the summer and the fact they are currently unbeaten in the Premier League adds fabrication to that notion but, if you can excuse the cliché, it’s all about what happens on the pitch come Sunday.
The United squad certainly have nothing to fear themselves and should be full of confidence. Having put a Tottenham side, who were riding the crest of a wave in a similar vein to City, to the sword last weekend, they continued to ridicule the niggling suggestions that there isn’t life after Ronaldo.
Without wanting to tempt fate, it is off the back of that hugely encouraging performance at White Hart Lane coupled with a burning desire to put City in their place that will hopefully see United home to a comfortable and comprehensive victory.
Altogether now: This is how it feels to be City…
Prediction: 2-0 United
Also see: Manchester United v Manchester City preview.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- The Manchester United Pledge
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@Stephen: What did City fans sing?
IMO, he was not too bad. If I’m not mistaken, he created 2 for them. One have to note that he was really starved of supply, esp in the 2nd, yet he stuck alone up front. I think when Hughes pushed him inside, he became more involved.
I don’t want to dampen moods, BUT, Tevez is not a United player, therefore he deserves what he got from the United fans. I hope, for the sake of hypocrisy, that Ronaldo gets the same when he comes to OT.
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Most of Fosters mistakes come from lack of experience, not lack of ability. Therefor I think its very harsh from us to tell Fergie to sell his ass off and fuck him.
He is a brilliant keeper, who has won us very many points this season. Without Ben we wouldnt have won against Arsenal, Birminham or possibly even Spurs, because of his brilliant, match winning saves. What ruings for Foster is his stupid mistakes. And those mistakes arent such mistakes like Carroll, Taibi or Howard did. Its mistakes that happen because he hasnt played a lot of games for us. His gaffe(s) today will only make him a better keeper, I am sure of that. Just watch, he is gonna turn out great! 
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@Karl: Rubbish, we gifted him them goals thru pure bloody keystone cops defending, we hadn’t done that, he wouldn’t have scored. I was at the game, so were you, how we see things differently eh?
.
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@Stephen: To be fair, most people having a problem with the old guard were on about Scholes much more than Giggs. But I have to agree that performance by Giggs will be remembered for years to come.
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That is why I love this game. Superb 2nd half from United and a great emotional back and forth finale!!
Ryan Giggs showed why he keeps getting picked ahead of the youngsters. There is not a player alive today who could have put in a better shift than he did today. Cool and thoughtful with great moments of individual brilliance. He is truly a master and one that still has a class or two left in him!!
Darren Fletcher showed what a CMF can do when he gets deep into the oppositions PA. Brutally clinical with both his goals, he was still able to perform his central duties with due diligence. His continued improvement/deveplopment is both encouraging and surprising, a late bloomer indeed and a product of SAF patience.
Valencia’s physicality was a notable improvement over a disappointing Park, and seemed to tip the scales our way when he was introduced. A better showing from him today – much more urgent and much more aware of his surroundings.
Ben Foster showed why he will not be our next goalie. His usual problems resurfaced and in a game that his counterpart kept his side in the game. Hesitancy and poor decision making are Fosters Achilles heel and today he almost crippled an otherwise, huge team effort.
Others of note was Rio, who gave an overly casual display. Him and Foster should be buying Michael Owen’s dinner tonight.
Owen took his chance wonderfully. A great strikers sense for positioning and finishing. More please!!
Berbatov, although somewhat unlucky, he should have buried a couple of his chances.
Rooney, for me, was disappointing today. Too many times did his passes go astray and it was often the case that his offerings seemed sloppy in their conception. An off day from him and one, I’m sure, he’ll make amends to, ASAP.
A great day for United, a great day for football and a great day for Manchester. We fought out a well deserved victory and it is a very, very encouraging sign for the games ahead.
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@Footy4Eddy: His kicking of tha ball in a tight situation or a back-pass is extremely poor. He better improve soon.. as soon as yesterday.
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@Karl: Ronaldo will not be booed by the fans. After Ronny left he has only spoken kindly of United, Fergie and all connections he has with the club. Even said he may return one day, and that he would never play for another club in England. He left for Spain, not our city neighbours! Besides, Ronaldo sindlehandedly won us the Premier League and Champions League in 2008, plus he is one of only 3 United players to have won the World Player of the Year. He gave this team and the fans more exitement than we have ever seen, and some of us have gotten even more respect for him since he left. Ronaldo will be looked at as a hero, Tevez a traitor…
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By the way Karl, what has that particular comment about Bellamy’s NUMPTEE behaviour for attacking a fan got to do with his playing ability which I didn’t mention in that post
. You spoiling for a fight as usual mate?
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@Rahul: His poor kicking is because he thinks he has more time than he actually does. As the game went on you could see he only blasted it up, instead of trying a shot feint of some sort…
It went well then, and his kickng is actually pretty good. He just needs to learn that he isnt Ronaldinho and has to improve his right foot.
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@Stephen: Hargreaves has a mountain of a task in front of him to dislodge Fletch from our starting eleven.
@Stephen: Uh… What did they sing about him?
And anyone got a pic of surprised the Tevez when coming on to a rapture of boos? I missed the first few minutes.
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@Footy4Eddy: I’d NEVER Boo Ronnie anyway, because not only did he confess and apologise for the naivety in his behaviour during last summer, but he has had so much to do with everything we have won domestically and CL in last few years!
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The pattern I’m noticing is that we look better without Carrick,
If we can get Hargo fit and into some form (like his classic running around like he’s lost his car keys type form) We’ll go up a notch…as well
We absolutely battered them at time in the 2nd half.
Love it, get in!
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@Craig Mc: Craig, I watched the game from a recording. Had to go out to celebrate with the family first.
I know we gifted them their goals, but check Bellamy’s goal again on replay. When you check it, look at how Rio is trying to catch up with him, with hands all over the place like a rag queen getting hysterical. It was actually very comical. You have to admire Bellamy for his pace, and controlling the ball at that pace. The strike was rather ‘weak’ and there I have to blame Foster for letting it in. I personally feel he could have done better to keep it out. Watch it again, I’m sure those pictures of Rio in the beach-dress will come to mind.
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@NicoQB: A FIT Hargo will walk into our team, and Fletch will play alonside him, and our MF will have so much added steel and flexibility!
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@Karl: You do realise that Rio wasn’t fit don’t you, and that he was struggling for a good part of the game. Like he shouldn’t have played in Rome against Barca, he shouldn’t have played today, because his mobility was effected with his not being at peak fitness! It has been all over the radio that Rio should not have come back, he was not fully recovered!
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@Karl: Send my thoughts to your wife who obviously has very good taste in men!
@Redrich: Valencia was just as good as he has been previously for us, its just that the contrast with Park made it so much more obvious.
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How the fuck come no-one but me here notices that we look incredbly strong with Fletch and Ando as our midfield combo?!
Carrick and Scholes are shite, and with Ando and Fletch in this kind of form we would blow absolutelty every team on this planet apart! Giggs is doing well, but lately he has blossomed as a LW again. Come on Craig, Karl! Anderson was bloody brilliant today and controlled the game with Fletcher. If Wazza hadnt been so shit with his decisionmaking today Ando couldve gotten 3 assists. 
Hopefully Fergie now knows what his best CM partnership is, because we will not be beaten easilt with those two powerhouses there! 
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@Craig Mc: I didn’t read all the comments prior to that. Just scrolled up read your post, and found it strange that Bellamy’s character was brought into question. My point was just, even though I don’t like him myself, he did make both Rio and Foster look like asses.
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@RedDave: Your so right RedDave, and all the complaints about the extra minutes, well didn’t they have that same extra playing time. They should have played full pelt to the final whistle like our lads did – and that frenzidly.
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@NicoQB: That’s why he sat on the bench at the start of todays game, huh???
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@Craig Mc: Yeah, but he still ran like a drag queen
rofl
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@NicoQB: She chose me
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@Craig Mc: I agree, but I was thinking in terms of having only one Defensive Central midfielder. And rght now Fletch has made this position his own. And also we have no guarantee of ever seeing the hargreaves of old. Just look at how Neville has struggled when he came back from his own injury.
I wish I’m wrong though.
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@Footy4Eddy: I really don’t want to fight with anyone. I’m in too good a mood because of a truly great performance. I just feel that I have to state this case:
Ronaldo is lying fucker who cares nothing for anyone but himself. He blatantly lied to us fans (including me), and if some people think that if you wine and dine our manager then all is forgiven, then so be it. Not me. He is still a liar and whatever stick Tevez gets, in my books, he should too because what he did was much worse. He actually treated suporters as idiots. “Aww, I just score a few goals and they will forget all about it”. Well, not everybody is that gullable.
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@Redrich: So?
Sitting on the bench is by no means proof of one player being inferior to another.
@Footy4Eddy: Bloody brilliant is pushing it a bit. Like I said 8/10 max for me. But he did look refreshed after his recent stint in the doghouse.
@Karl: Obviously!!!
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@Craig Mc:
Yep…I’m pretty sure Citeh celebrated a goal for over a minute, and extra time is announced as being a “minimum of” int it
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@Footy4Eddy: You don’t have to sell me on Anderson. I love him to bits. I’m just dissapointed that he didn’t score. In saying that, I noticed, especially in the 2nd half, that he got more into offensive, threathening positions, and he is actually taking shots. That’s very good. I just hope we can keep him and Fletch for a few games to see how they develop as a partnership. I think it will be great.
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@Karl: But I wasn’t saying anything about his playing ability, You obviously don’t get it do you Karl? Bellamy’s character was brought into question, because a fan that had wrongly ran onto the pitch (probably tanked up with ale) was already being held in police custody, his hands restrained by the cops, so he couldn’t move to defend himself, and Bellamy clocked him a punch on the face. You obviosly didn’t see the photo of it further up the thread! Bellamy should not have raised his hand to a fan who was already in police custody, and couldn’t defend himself
. But Bellamy is violent, and has been in court several times for it, so it is fact, not just question.
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@NicoQB: I must admit, Anderson looked quite good out there, but I just got the feeling that something was missing. I was kinda missing a certain ‘spark’ from him. Can’t really explain myself on this one.
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@Redrich: A cardboard cut out of Rio Ferdinand would have done a better job of defending today than Rio did.
Also, Tevez’s neck looks like his head has been circumcised. This would mean he had a giant foreskin over his face, and is technically a dickhead.
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@Craig Mc: Craig, I’m sorry I mis-interpreted your post. Shows how things can get real ugly if you don’t read properly or don’t check the full picture, in this case, budding in without reading the full ‘history’.
roflmao
I’m sorry about that. I mis-understood. I’m totally at fault here.
But, regardless, Rio still looked like a rag queen chasing him
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@NicoQB: 8/10 for a players who has been in the doghouse lately, in the best derby for a long time, dominating players such as Ireland and Barry, and when playing alongside a DM who scores 2 goals in a game of such proportions… I would call that bloody brilliant!
Im just delighted Ando is back to the form when we all loved him, and he is looking confident and aggressive again. Thank God for that. 
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@Craig Mc: I agree that Bellamy in person is a cunt. I really don’t like him. But Rio chasing him?
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@Traverse:
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@Karl: He apologised, several times, and SAF told him he was to deny anything about the Madrid move for this last year. SAF actually lied, and told Ronaldo what he was to say to the press, until it was time for them both to tell all. SAF said after denying that Ronaldo was going to Madrid, when he had already agreed to his sale providing he stayed with us another season. So don’t blame Ronaldo – nothing to do with him wining and dining Fergie. But feel free to boo Ronnie if he comes back to OT with Madrid, but for certain you will be among a very small minority. He will get a great reception, and SAF will insist on it!
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Firstly I have to say what a great game. It was just unbelievable.
This brings me to the fist point. Yes Mr Ben Foster.. This lad is shit personified. How many times must he fuck us over before fergie realises that he belongs back at watford. We were on top of the game and then he fucks up a routine back pass that he should have just booted out. Yes ferdinand maybe should have dealt with it but what the fuck was he thinking? Fucking hell he is a shite keeper, give us almunia,kirkland,cudicini anyone but this retard.He is so slow with his feet its unbelieveble He did it twive in the game not once!! He is a fuckup of the highest order. Even with bellamys goal all he had to do was stay up and make himself big, and if it goes in then ok. Isnt that wat keepers are taught to do? Yet he falls flat on his ass. Im sure he is a nice guy but hes just not good enough. Go back to the fucking championship please.
Darren Fletcher is a monster, great player these days.
Berbatov is such a waste of money, 30 million for someone that cant score easy headers,no wayz. It aint good enough
Owen is class, he needs to start against wolves. Overall great match but please fergie send foster packing before he does this again, because he will. PIG has never made a blubder like this, if he has id like to when when.
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@Craig Mc: I’m sorry. I think I’m too tired and should get some sleep. This has been a very loooooong, hyper day for me. It’s just, when I think back of how Rio chased him and could not catch up, I can’t help myself from laughing. Maybe it’s just me that see it funny, or maybe I’m exagerating it a bit. It just seems funny thinking back on it. I think I should go get some sleep and rather chat tomorrow again
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@Karl: Rio would have caught him and NAILED him if he had been fully fit mate. I wonder if we are seeing the end of Rio, because SAF said to the media on MUTV that he is very worried for Rio. He shouldn’t play him then should he, because Evans or Wes Brown who are fit, could have given us more speed and mobility
.
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@Karl: If you think back to the autumn of 2007, when Ando became the fan favorite he is, he played with Hargo next to him. It was a perfect fit for Anderson, and he could play as he felt like. He could express himself on the pitch and dominate games. Now that Fletcher is playing like a destructor DM, he is a perfect fit for Andy. It worked well against Spurs last week, and in the games against Arsenal last season. Today was just the peak, when the two of them dominated the three man midfield of Ireland, Barry and De Jong. They just compliment eachother so well! If Ando could just improve his shooting, remember he wasnt that far off with a shot today, it could be a dream duo. I certanly think so, and hope they now get time and games to prove themselves together.
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@Karl:
No problem mate!
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@Craig Mc: This is even worse. SAF AND Ronaldo lying? And you get upset with me for criticising SAF? At least I’m honest. The fact that SAF admit to knowing a year in advance about the Ronaldo sale and messing up in the transfer maket makes him look even more like an ass. No vision. And people want to get upset with Carla for only speaking the truth? I’d gladly be in the minority on this one.
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@Traverse:
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Anderson+Fletcher=A match made in heaven!
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@Craig Mc: Before I get into a fight, I think I will retire to bed. No hard feelings?
Oh, I don’t think we’ve seen the end of Rio. I think he’s just unfit and not quite match-ready. But damn, that running
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@Footy4Eddy: Andie’s distribution is not bad Eddi, but I’d like to see improvement on the tackling part – more aggression m’thinks
. He did ok today though buddy. I think, in fact I am certain he is speedier and more mobile in MF than Carrick!
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@Karl: Carlos wasn’t speaking the truth. He was lying and whining and his lies were blatantly obvious.
Also it’s very easy for you to take a moral high ground over Ferguson lying. But imagine how bizarre and stupid it would have been had Ferguson said Ronaldo will leave at the end of the season. He learned from the effect it had on the team last time round — when he said he would retire at the end of the season.
We all make mistakes and Ronaldo spent an entire season apologising over his conduct. He’ll get a much better reception than Tevez.
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@Craig Mc: Im actually surprised that not only did Anderson play well, but he kept it up for the whole 90 minutes he played! He never stopped running, which impressed me! His stamina has gotten better, even though as you said his aggression could improve. He did get stuck in though!
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardb85/3937469129/
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@Dan: Now THAT is class!
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@Dan: i think it has come out that massive shiteh payed 47m for tevster
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