WeeklySA_AdminMORE THAN A DERBY: SPECIAL OCCASION WHENEVER RED DEVILS AND CITIZENS MEET FOR A CLASH…
By Sports Reporter
Manchester United host Manchester City in the 191st Manchester derby on Sunday, with the Reds looking to regain bragging rights. Erik ten Hag’s side recorded a vital 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, in what was an emotional evening as Old Trafford paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Sunday’s match will feature further tributes to celebrate the life of Sir Bobby, on what is set to be an important day on and off the field.
United approach the derby with City on the back of three successive wins in all competitions but knowing an improved display will be required against the Blues. Erik ten Hag’s side got the victory against FC Copenhagen but only thanks to Andre Onana’s dramatic penalty save with the last action of the Group A tie.
Sergio Reguilon and Raphael Varane were the two changes to the starting XI on the night but Casemiro is eligible again, after suspension ruled him out of the European encounter, even if his involvement is still not guaranteed, after sustaining a knock while on international duty with Brazil.
“Case is a race against the clock,” admitted Ten Hag at his pre-match press conference. “He is not 100 per cent.” The boss elaborated in his interview with club media, adding: “He will do everything he can to be part of it, to start the game, but we have to see. We have some hours to go.”
There is good news regarding right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is continuing to work his way back to full fitness. “Yes, Aaron was training today,” confirmed the manager, when speaking to journalists at Carrington. Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Amad are still on the sidelines for the Reds.
“[There are] not so many changes, no [to the squad],” Ten Hag admitted to MUTV’s Mark Sullivan.
CITY’S TEAM NEWS
Pep Guardiola will be without injured playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and suspended defender Manuel Akanji. The Blues had some slight concern over the fitness of England international Phil Foden in midweek, although Julian Alvarez, flagged as a doubt, did come off the bench in the 3-1 victory over Young Boys in the Champions League.
Guardiola admitted he was pleased with Jack Grealish’s display in Switzerland but he has not started a league game since August. Rodri’s return from a ban has helped City get back in the groove but they currently sit two points behind Tottenham Hotspur in second place in the Premier League table.
“United are always a tough, tough opponent,” said Guardiola. “We know the quality they have, there is no doubt about that.”
- Manchester has demonstrated once again that it is a city united in honour of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who helped put it firmly on the global map.
Among the thousands of people from across Manchester who have paid their respects this week and signed the book of condolences have been City manager Pep Guardiola, legend Mike Summerbee OBE and Mayor of the Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
In a show of respect and solidarity ahead of Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford, all three praised the impact Sir Bobby, who sadly passed away at the age of 86 last Saturday, had on not just football but also the image of the city.
