The 196th Manchester derby is the main event of Premier League gameweek 31. Both Manchester United and Manchester City, significant teams in English football who have had underwhelming seasons, are seeking to improve as the season nears its end. Manchester United, playing at home, are primarily playing for team pride. Their focus might also be on the upcoming Europa League quarterfinal match in Lyon on Thursday, as it represents their best opportunity to qualify for European competition given their current position in the lower half of the league table.
Manchester City faces greater pressure in their remaining games. The reigning champions are aiming to maintain a top-five position to ensure Champions League qualification for next season, especially while playing without their key striker, Erling Haaland, for most or possibly all of the rest of the league season. Their initial game without Haaland went well, resulting in a 2-0 victory over Leicester City in the midweek. However, this derby against Manchester United presents a tougher challenge for manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has a strong record at Old Trafford in league games, winning five out of nine visits, a league record already. A sixth victory would provide City with significant momentum for the final stretch of the season.
Man United vs. Man City Starting Lineups
Manchester United: Andre Onana; Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro; Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Alejandro Garnacho,Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester City: Ederson; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O`Reilly; Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin de Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush
Last Meeting
Their previous encounter at the Etihad Stadium wasn`t particularly high quality for most players, but one player made a significant impact. After conceding a first-half goal by Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Amorim introduced Amad Diallo, who dramatically changed the game`s direction. Diallo first earned a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted to equalize, and then sprinted onto a through ball and powerfully scored from a difficult angle, stunning the Etihad Stadium.
Manager Statements
Manchester United Manager (Amorim): Despite Manchester United`s recent defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, which marked their ninth loss in 19 Premier League matches under Amorim, the manager believes the team is showing signs of progress. He stated, “It`s been consistent since the season began. I believe if you analyze our games, we are improving in our style of play. We are generating more scoring opportunities and controlling games more effectively.“
He added, “However, in football, not winning is always felt, and that’s a positive aspect. We understand that this season will have its ups and downs. We are focused on moving forward to the next game.“
Manchester City Manager (Guardiola): Following consecutive wins against Premier League teams for the first time since early January – defeating Bournemouth in the FA Cup and Leicester in the league – Pep Guardiola is aware of the importance of maintaining momentum. He noted that Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also in good form, Nottingham Forest is competitive in the top-five race, and teams like Brighton and Bournemouth are aiming to close the gap by Sunday.
Guardiola emphasized, “There are eight games remaining. Every match is crucial.“
Key Match Storylines
Alejandro Garnacho`s Shooting Mentality: Since Amorim became manager, Alejandro Garnacho is among the top players in the Premier League for shots per 90 minutes, averaging 3.28. Interestingly, Erling Haaland is not among the leaders in this statistic. Despite taking shots frequently, Garnacho`s expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes is relatively low at 0.22.
This is because Garnacho tends to shoot whenever he sees an opportunity, regardless of his balance, defensive pressure, or game situation. Among players who have taken at least 10 shots since Amorim`s arrival, Garnacho`s shot accuracy ranks low. While his willingness to shoot at a young age is not necessarily negative, his six shots against Forest on Tuesday resulted in less than half the expected goals generated by center-back Harry Maguire in an attacking role, which is a point of concern.
Player to Watch
Jack Grealish: Grealish marked his return to the Premier League starting lineup impressively by scoring his first league goal in over a year. He was deployed in a central attacking midfield role, similar to his position before joining City, where he could receive the ball, advance, and shoot. Although he only took two shots in this game, his overall performance at 29 years old was notable. The question is whether he will have the opportunity to build on this performance, considering competition from players like Phil Foden.
Match Prediction
Manchester United, particularly at Old Trafford, tend to be resilient against Manchester City, even in defeats. However, expect Manchester City`s overall quality to prevail. Prediction: Manchester United 0, Manchester City 1
