Premier League: United Need to Restore Pride on Derby Day

Premier League: United Need to Restore Pride on Derby Day

Manchester United vs Manchester City

Derby day in Manchester is so often an occasion to savour.

It is also one which can be electric, littered with sparks of tension and moments of genius.

This Saturday lunchtime’s date in the Premier League at Old Trafford should be no different.

Both teams need the points for different reasons – United to get their season back on track and restore some pride; City to move closer to the summit and a successful title defence.

There was a time not so long ago, of course, when Man Utd were in title contention every season. That mantle has long since passed across town.

Talking Points

Never mind last weekend’s results when United were convincing winners at Spurs and City lost at home to Crystal Palace.

Spurs were as woeful as United had been six days earlier and it was a limited test.

This Saturday will be more of an acid indicator as to whether the Red Devils can become a force to be reckoned with under the stewardship of under pressure boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer has a good record in the Manchester derby during his near three years at the helm.

In fact, a number of the Norwegian’s managerial Premier League highlights have been in this fixture – he has overseen three victories and a draw in the five league derbies in which he has been charge.

On saying that, consecutive League Cup semi-final defeats at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s men have rather suggested that City win the encounters that really matter.

At the time of writing, Paul Pogba is the only definite absentee for the hosts as he serves the second of a three match suspension. However, Raphael Varane limped off in Europe in midweek and could well be a doubt.

For City, Aymeric Laporte is suspended following his red card against Palace, while Spanish forward Ferran Torres remains out.

The truth is this game should not be played on Saturday lunchtime.

There was a suggestion many months ago that no teams would be playing in the Saturday lunchtime slot straight off the back of a Wednesday night match in Europe so, quite how this is a 12.30pm kick-off is a surprise.

United faced that prospect last month (with little over 48 hours to recover) and this time it is City.

Both teams have good squads, of course, and that will help as they look to sign off for the final international break of 2021 on a high.

The first derby with a crowd since March last year – which was actually the final game at Old Trafford before the pandemic forced a football blackout for three months – this should be quite a contest and quite an atmosphere.

Pride and passion will be on display; points will be on the line.

History

These two have produced so many Premier League highlights over the years.

This corresponding fixture last season saw United record a victory which was as impressive as it was unexpected – triggered by an opening minute goal from Bruno Fernandes and doubled early in the second half by Luke Shaw.

The earlier league season meeting just before Christmas was a derby stalemate at Old Trafford.

Arguably the one that mattered, however, was City’s success in the League Cup semi-finals.

United have the edge historically, winning 77 of their meetings compared to City’s 54 triumphs and 53 draws.

It’s actually three years since City last beat United on their own turf – although they have dominated the fixture at Old Trafford in recent years.

Betting Tip

Double Chance Manchester United or Draw @ 1.96

I have never recalled a match where United have been priced as such outsiders at home with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.

There again, this is an era of Sheikh Monsour and their city rivals are favourites in virtually every football match they play.

Indeed, if you fancy the hosts, you could be in line for a pay day of 1X2 @ 4.20 whereas City are priced @ 1.78.
Asian Handicap odds similarly back the away side with City available -1.00 @ 2.38, -0.75 @ 2.03 and United on offer +0.50 @ 2.17.

The 1X2 Draw certainly has appeal @ 3.70, while a repeat of last season’s goalless draw is available @ 14.00 with Correct Score.

A lack of goals is unusual in this fixture, however, as shown by odds of over 3.00 goals @ 2.14, total goal 0-1 @ 4.30, 2-3 @ 1. 99 and 4-6 @ 2.86.

I do think this has got a draw written all over it but my *** prediction is Double Chance United or Draw @ 1.96.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.