Manchester United 1:2 Manchester City

Brightonian · Aug 29, 2016

City's scorelines have flattered them. I watched big chunks of the Sunderland and Stoke matches and they were struggling. Once they've won the game they have the knack of adding another goal, but those wins were in no way a sure thing. Against West Ham they were much improved though, looked a dangerous attacking unit throughout.

Losing Fellaini is a blow to us. It's not just that he's been good, but that in his absence we'll have to adapt the way we're playing a little, which is never ideal before a derby. Reminds me of losing Shaw last season, that impenetrable back-four that started the season never looked quite as good again.

But if City lose Aguero, that'll balance out; he's integral to the way their attack works. Without Aguero, I reckon our defence gives us the edge. Theirs looks shaky, ours is stronger with every match. Get Zlatan targeting Stones from corners, and Rashford running at Otamendi.

surf · Aug 29, 2016

It will probably be a tight game and we have a better defence.

Mourinho needs to address the lack of pace in the front 6. Not sure Lingard for Mata is the answer. Maybe Mkhitaryan

2 man midfield · Aug 29, 2016

Looking forward to the first derby in a while where it doesn't feel like we're up against a team of giants. There's a lot of physicality in our side now, which i felt always tipped the balance in these games in the past.

Deleted member 101472 · Aug 29, 2016

surf said:
It will probably be a tight game and we have a better defence.

Mourinho needs to address the lack of pace in the front 6. Not sure Lingard for Mata is the answer. Maybe Mkhitaryan

Maybe ???

Sigma · Aug 29, 2016

I've went with 5-1

sunama · Aug 29, 2016

DadiBG said:
If it were me, I think I'd take out Martial and Mata, stick Rooney on the left, Mkhi on the right and add in Herrera in the middle. I just think City's fast offensive options could wreak havoc on a defensive backbone of Baily-Blind-Fellaini, I'd gladly take an extra body in there. Plus, with Herrera and Pogba surging through the middle on the counter, with Rooney and Mkhi tucking in as well I think we could in turn overload their middle, especially if only Fernandinho plays (though I doubt Pep would go that offensive). Essentially, I'd play a 4-1-2-2-1:

One of our biggest games of the season and you want to use Herrera - a player who has had very few minutes, so far?
Herrera is a fan favourite for some reason, yet, he isn't actually that good (LVG hardly used him, as he did not rate him highly and Jose seems to be following).
Sorry guys, I know that some of you like Herrera, but the guy has done nothing of note in 2 seasons.

The only change I'd make to our line-up is Miki in place of Martial (due to poor form). Rashford can make a sub appearance later in the game, if we need a goal.

sunama · Aug 29, 2016

Friction said:
I wonder if Aguero will be banned for this game (for his elbow incident today)? That would be a massive help towards a win.

I'm genuinely not scared by him.
We have Blind/Baily in defence, with one of the best GKs in the World. We currently have a one of the meanest defences in the league, who I trust completely.
I am not scared by Aguero, Vardy, Kane or The Undertaker.

JustinC00 · Aug 29, 2016

sunama said:
One of our biggest games of the season and you want to use Herrera - a player who has had very few minutes, so far?

So if Fellaini is out you are against Carrick or Schneiderlin playing? Because they've played less than Herrera

Bogga · Aug 29, 2016

I'd love to see Rashford, Micky and Martial behind Zlatan. I think an ice cube have a better shot at surviving hell than this happening. But they all possess speed, which Mata and Rooney lacks... I think that would work perfectly vs Oil FC

Macern · Aug 29, 2016

I feel far less confident going into this game without Fellaini.

George Beast · Aug 29, 2016

Am I the only one who doesn't think Fellaini is injured? Played the full 90 minutes and looked perfectly fine until Mourinho said he had a bad back injury out of nowhere. When and where did this injury occur? Seems to me like either "mind games" or Mourinho just doesn't want him on international duty.

Shark · Aug 29, 2016

Pentame said:
I feel far less confident going into this game without Fellaini.

Is he definitely out?

Womp · Aug 29, 2016

George Beast said:
Am I the only one who doesn't think Fellaini is injured? Played the full 90 minutes and looked perfectly fine until Mourinho said he had a bad back injury out of nowhere. When and where did this injury occur? Seems to me like either "mind games" or Mourinho just doesn't want him on international duty.

The rest of the quote he said that he still wants him to go to international duty so their medics can have a look at him, so I doubt that's it. Was probably something bothering him but he played on.

AgentP · Aug 29, 2016

Jaybomb said:
I hope not. Herrera should be competing with Pogba for the #8 spot.

Schneiderlin and Fellaini for the #6 role.

In his recent interview, Herrera has said that he is getting used to the new role as a no.6. Mourinho is probably testing out all our midfielders in that role to see who is best suited to partner Pogba.

Mitser · Aug 29, 2016

Very keen for Rashford to feature heavily, ideally start. Him winning us the match at the Etihad a few months ago is fresh in my memory. They even tried to intimidate and he had none of it. He consistently wins us massive games basically. Get him in the mix please Jose.

Womp · Aug 29, 2016

sunama said:
One of our biggest games of the season and you want to use Herrera - a player who has had very few minutes, so far?
Herrera is a fan favourite for some reason, yet, he isn't actually that good (LVG hardly used him, as he did not rate him highly and Jose seems to be following).
Sorry guys, I know that some of you like Herrera, but the guy has done nothing of note in 2 seasons.

The only change I'd make to our line-up is Miki in place of Martial (due to poor form). Rashford can make a sub appearance later in the game, if we need a goal.

Even with Martial being in terrible form, you're going to take off our only real pacey attacker? That would be suicide against them. Lets face it, we aren't going to be able to dominate them like we did the past few games, we're going to have to rely on counters.

Countering with Rooney, Ibra and Mata who are slow as feck, isn't exactly wise.

Friction · Aug 29, 2016

sunama said:
I'm genuinely not scared by him.
We have Blind/Baily in defence, with one of the best GKs in the World. We currently have a one of the meanest defences in the league, who I trust completely.
I am not scared by Aguero, Vardy, Kane or The Undertaker.

You might not be scared of Aguero, but it would be pretty foolish not to respect him, if only for his footballing ability. I mean he's already got how many goals, 5? On his day he is a definite threat on goal. Let's be real. Blind/Bailly have been amazing this season so far, but have they been truly tested? The most dangerous team we've faced so far (besides Dortmund and the whole "lolz itz preseason" disaster) is probably Leicester. To me, though I do respect his speed and finishing, Vardy has to prove that he's more than a 1 year flash in the pan, whereas Aguero has already proven that when he is fit (though injury prone) he scores goals fairly regularly.

George Beast said:
Am I the only one who doesn't think Fellaini is injured? Played the full 90 minutes and looked perfectly fine until Mourinho said he had a bad back injury out of nowhere. When and where did this injury occur? Seems to me like either "mind games" or Mourinho just doesn't want him on international duty.

I thought perhaps his back got hurt while he was going into the crowd to help that lady after the goal. It was really late in the game, and I didn't see him after the whistle blew. It's hard to say?

Gasolin · Aug 29, 2016

Friction said:
I thought perhaps his back got hurt while he was going into the crowd to help that lady after the goal. It was really late in the game, and I didn't see him after the whistle blew. It's hard to say?

Some French newspapers say a month out for Fellaini, and him needing to travel to Belgium to show his injuries. That sounds pretty serious.

11101 · Aug 29, 2016

waza7111 said:
De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - Blind - Shaw
Fellaini/Schneiderlin - Pogba
Mkhitaryan - Rooney - Martial
Ibrahimovic

Mourinho's way of beating Guardiola teams is to use two defensive midfielders to stop the creativity of their midfielders. They must deny the City midfielders the room to operate and be very disciplined. If Fellaini is out, Schneiderlin will come in. We'll need pace in wide areas to hit them on the counter attack so that's why I think Mkhi will play instead of Mata.

1-1

I think this is the team too. Martial will have a good rest now and be on better form.

I expect Rashford will get some minutes too.

Santoryo · Aug 29, 2016

TrustInJanuzai said:
Honestly surprised at the amount of people that are scared of city, it's kind of ridiculous really, but I guess that's the cost of 3 poor seasons. I much prefer Utd fans to be bullish, especially when we have cause to be.

I think these guys just came from watching West Ham getting stuffed by City with their badly organized defense and they suddenly think they'll do us. Forgetting that unlike WH we actually have the firepower to hurt City and we also have a MF to easily transition our play to attack which means we'll be up for quick counter attack.

And unlike WH yesterday, we actually have an organized defense and won't just allow player to casually stroll in one on one with the goal keeper and score goals(like Sterling last goal).

I'm surprised people aren't looking at City's defense and licking their fingers, especially with the firepower we have. This is a Mou team and we know it'll be hard to break us which means we'll defend solidly. Beside that we have a MF and attack to hurt City, especially with their high line defending. The 10th just can't come soon enough, I'm pumped.

khoazany · Aug 29, 2016

De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - Blind - Shaw
Herrera - Pogba
Lingard - Mkhitaryan - Rashford
Ibrahimovic

Chaky_Best · Aug 29, 2016

Guess it will be probably Herrera playing instead of Morgan or Carrick. None of them had a single minutes recently so it's a big call for them. They may get fitter during the international break since they all three are not in their respective selection, but it'll be really important for us to get a good shield against Silva and co.

So far, we can say that they'll have much of the ball and we'll probably sit deeper pucnhing them here and there with Pogba and our wide mens.

I don't know if Mou will favor wide mens or more insiders, but I just hope that the likes of Martial, Rooney, Mata will deliver and be better than this weekend.

The major part of the starting team will be on international duty, so I just hope that we'll have a fresh team and we can kill their confidence

My team

-------------------------------De Gea-----------------------------------
Valencia---------------Bailly----------Blind---------------------Shaw
------------------------Pogba---------Herrera--------------------------
Mata---------------------------Rooney------------------------Mkhitaryan
----------------------------------Ibra-------------------------------------

----------------------------------Elbow----------------------------------
Nolito-----------------De Bruyne-------Silva------------------Sterling
---------------------------------Fernandinho---------------------------
Kolarov----------------Stones---------Otamendi------------Zabaletta
-----------------------------------Bravo---------------------------------

LuisNaniencia · Aug 29, 2016

sunama said:
One of our biggest games of the season and you want to use Herrera - a player who has had very few minutes, so far?
Herrera is a fan favourite for some reason, yet, he isn't actually that good (LVG hardly used him, as he did not rate him highly and Jose seems to be following).
Sorry guys, I know that some of you like Herrera, but the guy has done nothing of note in 2 seasons.

The only change I'd make to our line-up is Miki in place of Martial (due to poor form). Rashford can make a sub appearance later in the game, if we need a goal.

You do know Fellaini may be injured?

Herrera is our only other midfielder that's played and he's played very well so far. Schneiderlin may be more suited for this game but he hasn't played at all so God knows what he'd be like.

RedPed · Aug 29, 2016

Brightonian said:
City's scorelines have flattered them. I watched big chunks of the Sunderland and Stoke matches and they were struggling. Once they've won the game they have the knack of adding another goal, but those wins were in no way a sure thing. Against West Ham they were much improved though, looked a dangerous attacking unit throughout.

Losing Fellaini is a blow to us. It's not just that he's been good, but that in his absence we'll have to adapt the way we're playing a little, which is never ideal before a derby. Reminds me of losing Shaw last season, that impenetrable back-four that started the season never looked quite as good again.

But if City lose Aguero, that'll balance out; he's integral to the way their attack works. Without Aguero, I reckon our defence gives us the edge. Theirs looks shaky, ours is stronger with every match. Get Zlatan targeting Stones from corners, and Rashford running at Otamendi.

Spot on assessment. Apart from the first half against the Hammers yesterday where they looked pretty good, City have just got by. Their late rallies have made them look better than they actually are and they have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League.

I'm excited about the derby but not apprehensive. I love how our back four is looking at the moment with Tony V and Shaw able to bomb forward, though Jose will probably reign that in a little. You also just know Rashford is going to score. If Mkhi starts and Lingard is available, that should provide the pace we need. It's a shame that Depay ain't cutting it at the moment but hopefully Tony M can get his game together. Seems to have dropped since his off-field shenanigans.

Think we'll win this quite comfortably.

ivaldo · Aug 29, 2016

khoazany said:
De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - Blind - Shaw
Herrera - Pogba
Lingard - Mkhitaryan - Rashford
Ibrahimovic

I wish...

EyeInTheSky · Aug 29, 2016

Brightonian said:
City's scorelines have flattered them. I watched big chunks of the Sunderland and Stoke matches and they were struggling. Once they've won the game they have the knack of adding another goal, but those wins were in no way a sure thing. Against West Ham they were much improved though, looked a dangerous attacking unit throughout.

Losing Fellaini is a blow to us. It's not just that he's been good, but that in his absence we'll have to adapt the way we're playing a little, which is never ideal before a derby. Reminds me of losing Shaw last season, that impenetrable back-four that started the season never looked quite as good again.

But if City lose Aguero, that'll balance out; he's integral to the way their attack works. Without Aguero, I reckon our defence gives us the edge. Theirs looks shaky, ours is stronger with every match. Get Zlatan targeting Stones from corners, and Rashford running at Otamendi.

This and this... And hopefully Mkhitaryan running rings around their Left back while Pogba over powers toure

Litch · Aug 29, 2016

Such a great game with soooo many subplots. To be fair, neither ourselves or city know where we are given how early it is in the season. Both teams absolutely stacked with quality.
Whats amazing is we only signed 3 players but all of a sudden our squad looks much better than theirs. I think the wingers are key as not convinced about either their left or right back!!!!

Cityfaninpeace · Aug 29, 2016

This could really go either way. I haven't seen much of United so far this season so I really can't comment on where you at. City have looked good, sometimes very good, for patches so far in the prem. Against West Ham the first half is probably the best football we've played so far against a good standard team. Second half though shows we are still very much a work in progress.

It seems the obvious choice but I'm going with a cagey 1-1 draw. I don't think Mou will overcommit and will rely on his defensive sensibilities, equally I think Pep will go for more of a possession setup - we were quite direct against West Ham - and I imagine we'll try and control the game from the outset.

pacifictheme · Aug 29, 2016

sunama said:
One of our biggest games of the season and you want to use Herrera - a player who has had very few minutes, so far?
Herrera is a fan favourite for some reason, yet, he isn't actually that good (LVG hardly used him, as he did not rate him highly and Jose seems to be following).
Sorry guys, I know that some of you like Herrera, but the guy has done nothing of note in 2 seasons.

The only change I'd make to our line-up is Miki in place of Martial (due to poor form). Rashford can make a sub appearance later in the game, if we need a goal.

Yep. Herrera is over rated.

Think we may lose to city. They look like they are clicking more than us and move the ball very well. Hope i'm wrong.

Oneunited26 · Aug 29, 2016

This game is hard to say where these 2 sides are at, both united and city have had the perfect fixtures for both managers to settle down, 3 games they both expected to win, on the flip side both these sides last year were drunken messes who would draw or lose some of these matches, so something has changed in both teams mentality's and the level both managers have got them to now. So both sides going into a game with that mysterious unknown factor on where they both at, both sides have improved there is a direction about them, they don't look rudderless. I have no clue what to expect with either side, we will see. But Mourinho is not stupid, he won't allow that space, so a change in tactics will be required

Tom Van Persie · Aug 29, 2016

surf said:
It will probably be a tight game and we have a better defence.

Mourinho needs to address the lack of pace in the front 6. Not sure Lingard for Mata is the answer. Maybe Mkhitaryan

Mkhitaryan has to start. Don't mind Mata but Mkhitaryan is far better and more suited to the way Jose wants us to attack.

DomesticTadpole · Aug 29, 2016

I am wondering if he will go three in midfield and three up front, which would put Mata's place in doubt. It won't be Rooney as although he hasn't been great he does bring industry to the side. He will not want City having the run of the midfield. I would have Mkhitaryan in that front 3 with Rooney and Zlatan. Would prefer Rashford in there for Rooney, but he could cause chaos as a sub.

Twigg · Aug 29, 2016

DomesticTadpole said:
I am wondering if he will go three in midfield and three up front, which would put Mata's place in doubt. It won't be Rooney as although he hasn't been great he does bring industry to the side. He will not want City having the run of the midfield. I would have Mkhitaryan in that front 3 with Rooney and Zlatan. Would prefer Rashford in there for Rooney, but he could cause chaos as a sub.

Yeah that's what I think we'll do too. I'd like to have Miki there as well but it's hard for me to guess who will be our third alongside Rooney and Zlatan

DomesticTadpole · Aug 29, 2016

Twigg said:
Yeah that's what I think we'll do too. I'd like to have Miki there as well but it's hard for me to guess who will be our third alongside Rooney and Zlatan

I think Martial needs a break to get his head together. He doesn't seem like the same player. Needs to get his private life sorted.

Sam M · Aug 29, 2016

nokillingmoths said:
Yep. Herrera is over rated.

Think we may lose to city. They look like they are clicking more than us and move the ball very well. Hope i'm wrong.

Herrera is underrated.

Think we may win against City. They can't defend and we play better.

Hope I'm right.

DadiBG · Aug 29, 2016

sunama said:
One of our biggest games of the season and you want to use Herrera - a player who has had very few minutes, so far?
Herrera is a fan favourite for some reason, yet, he isn't actually that good (LVG hardly used him, as he did not rate him highly and Jose seems to be following).
Sorry guys, I know that some of you like Herrera, but the guy has done nothing of note in 2 seasons.

The only change I'd make to our line-up is Miki in place of Martial (due to poor form). Rashford can make a sub appearance later in the game, if we need a goal.

Actually, I'm not his biggest fan - I think after Pogba Carrick is our best midfielder by far. However Carrick doesn't help with the lack of mobility in midfield - he even exasperates the problem. Herrera might not have played a lot, but he has played - Carrick and Schneiderlin are on 0 and 5 minutes respectively in the PL. Herrera has 98 minutes, Mourinho seemed to like him and I think he offers us what I think we need for the game. Admittedly, if Schneiderlin has shown some form in training, I'd probably have him above Ander in the pecking order. And honestly, I don't think there's a lot between the two of them either way.

Oneunited26 · Aug 29, 2016

surf said:
It will probably be a tight game and we have a better defence.

Mourinho needs to address the lack of pace in the front 6. Not sure Lingard for Mata is the answer. Maybe Mkhitaryan

That's the advantage city have over us, they have at the moment better balance between speed and thinkers in their team, while we are figuring out our balance. The team that has started this season is by far the obvious selection of a temperately lineup for this season, mkh and rashford have given mourinho food for thought, while the former should be a guaranteed starter. Rashford is still probably the perfect case of coming off the bench to tire teams out, which will be the case against city if the game is still tight, Mourinho has the Ace up his sleeve. No question it should be one change from the hull victory, Mkh in for mata, that should give us enough balance for our speed in the side, Mkh and martial helping out rooney and zlaten. But it depends what kind of lineup he goes for against city, if fellaini is not fit will we see Herrera and another partner pogba in a 433

Gatti33 · Aug 29, 2016

I really want to see rashford start ahead of Rooney. From what I've see of city this season they like to press really high up the pitch and play with an incredibly high line. Knocking balls over the top for rashford to chase would cause them all sorts of trouble.

3KDré · Aug 29, 2016

It would be wiser to start Rashford and Mkhitaryan over Rooney and Mata. We need to hit them on the break as they'll try to dominate by overwhelming the backline with loads of players.

Android1974 · Aug 29, 2016

I'm expecting Mourinho to make some changes to turn the team even more compact defensively and to counterattack rapidly. In that sense, if there's a game where Rooney (and Mata, for sure) could be dropped, it's this one, instead of Martial. Lingard, Mkhitaryan (and Rashford) seem essential to this game.

And I'm pretty sure Mourinho still remembers and deeply regrets the open way he played Real Madrid, due to pression of fans and president and press, in his first Spain game against Guardiola's Barcelona, although away, the dreadful ‘manita’.

Not what I think he's going to do, but what I would do ‘if I was the manager’

. Carrick and Pogba dropping long bombs to the wings just after recovering the ball, when City's fullbacks are in midfield:

Carrick/Herrera–Pogba
Lingard/Rashford–Mkhitaryan–Martial
Ibrahimović

Defensively, our #10 would drop much more than Rooney. Lingard and Mkhitaryan could exchange positions all the time.
If this was an away game, pretty sure Mourinho would do something similar.

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