Manchester United will be looking to end a wretched recent run at home to local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League when they meet at Old Trafford this weekend, and here’s five reasons we think the Red half of Manchester will be celebrating at the full-time whistle on Sunday…
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1) United are due a win
Incredibly, United have lost these last three home fixtures against City: 6-1, 2-1, and 3-0. Not since 2011 have the Red Devils enjoyed three points against their neighbours at Old Trafford, a surprise run that surely won’t last much longer as the Red half of Manchester looks to reclaim the bragging rights in this clash.
2) Van Gaal’s tactics clicking
With impressive performances and wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, United are finally looking like finding their feet under Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman has deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation in recent games to good effect, with United now looking far more fluid and confident in their approach, with Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini really shining in this new setup.
3) Rooney’s great derby record
As well as this stunning overhead kick to win the Manchester Derby back in 2011, Wayne Rooney has a superb record in this fixture, scoring 11 goals against City in his long career as a United player, more than anyone else in the club’s rich history. The way he’s playing at the moment, you wouldn’t bet against him scoring again and adding to his record this weekend.
4) City poor defensively
With United’s attack looking so sharp at the moment, it’s bad news for Manchester City’s increasingly leaky defence. Vincent Kompany has had an awful season and looks past his best, while the likes of Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis don’t look too convincing either – something that will surely be punished by Rooney, Mata and co.
5) Aguero not firing
A player who likes scoring against United and who got the winner in this fixture at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season, Sergio Aguero is horribly off form for City at the moment and that leaves them short of inspiration as they look for a much-needed win here. The Argentine, incredibly, has only four goals in his last fifteen appearances in all competitions – a run stretching back to the 3rd of December. Without him, it’s hard to see where Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s goals are going to come from.