The Manchester derby will be decided by the performances and moments of the outstanding factors.
5. Diogo Dalot vs Jeremy Doku
Doku is one of the few rookies for Man City this season who has made an impression. In circumstances where he clings to the edge and rises high, the Belgian winger exhibits a great deal of boldness and suddenness. Doku’s strong showing enabled him to replace Jack Grealish in the starting lineup.
Comparatively speaking, Doku is faster and more innovative than Grealish. With Doku, Man United’s defense must exercise extra caution. Dalot was given the assignment of closely marking the Man City players.
Dalot took over as the starting right-back when Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sidelined by an injury. Ten Hag will probably ask Dalot to slow down in order to prevent Doku from taking advantage of the space behind him.
4. Andre Onana vs Ederson Moraes
The wooden frame battle promises to become a notable hot spot in the upcoming Manchester derby. In Man United’s wooden frame, Andre Onana will definitely start if he does not suffer an unexpected injury. Despite the unimpressive start, the Cameroonian star still earned the full trust of coach Erik ten Hag.
Speaking before the key match, Ten Hag shared: “The team gives Onana trust. Look at the achievements he has accomplished in the colors of big teams. He possesses qualities and skills. “.
Pep Guardiola made Ederson his first choice on the other side of the line. The Brazilian goalkeeper’s exceptional footwork and passing abilities make him an ideal addition to Man City’s tactical system.
The two Manchester teams’ ability to maintain clean sheets was significantly impacted by the performances of Ederson and Onana. Ederson is currently regarded more highly than his Red Devils teammate.
3. Bruno Fernandes vs Rodri
Fernandes is a key link in Man United’s midfield. The Portuguese midfielder plays the role of leading the play, creating, scoring goals and creating assists. On his best day, Fernandes promises to become a constant threat to Man City’s defense system.
On the other side of the front line, Rodri is an irreplaceable factor in Man City’s midfield. The Spanish midfielder is responsible for recovering the ball, pressing, and intercepting.
Fernandes will face a difficult test called Rodri. The fierce battle in the midfield greatly determines the situation and the outcome of the great battle.
2. Rasmus Hojlund vs Ruben Dias
Fans hope Hojlund can soon scored in the Premier League. The Danish striker has become the number 1 choice in the central striker position since arriving at Old Trafford. The former Atalanta star possesses many qualities needed in a top number 9.
“Man United’s full-backs need to push high, or put the ball into the penalty area and Hojlund will take advantage of that,” Rio Ferdinand shared. If Hojlund plays sublimely, Man City’s defense will face big trouble.
Man City fans turned their eyes to Ruben Dias with the hope that the Portuguese center-back could lock down Hojlund. Dias is considered an important factor for Man City for many seasons. The confrontation between Hojlund and Dias becomes a notable hot spot in the upcoming Manchester derby.
1. Raphael Varane vs Erling Haaland
Despite Harry Maguire’s good performance recently, Varane is still considered the leading ‘rock’ in front of Onana’s wooden goal. Varane’s talent, class, and battle prowess need to be promoted when facing Man City.
Varane’s upcoming opponent is Haaland. The Norwegian striker is strong enough to tear open Onana’s net if Man United’s defense plays carelessly. Will Varane’s experience or Haaland’s youth win?