Big Match Feature: Man City v Man United

At the start of the Premier League season, few would have predicted that by the time the Manchester derby arrived, it would be Pep Guardiola's City facing a crisis so severe that it has overshadowed United’s ongoing troubles. Catch the action live on SuperSport this Sunday at 6:30pm CAT.

United have endured a tumultuous campaign, parting ways with manager Erik ten Hag in October and losing sporting director Dan Ashworth after just five months. Under new boss Ruben Amorim, they languish in 13th place. Last weekend's 3-2 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest highlighted the monumental challenge Amorim faces at Old Trafford.

Yet, it is City’s dramatic decline that dominates the headlines ahead of Sunday’s showdown at the Etihad. Guardiola’s men have managed just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions. They sit fourth in the Premier League, eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool, and face the prospect of an uncharacteristically early exit from the Champions League.

Injuries to key players and a dip in confidence have contributed to their woes. A 2-0 loss to Juventus midweek left pundits questioning whether Guardiola's golden era at City is coming to an end.

ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE

Despite the setbacks, City’s achievements under Guardiola remain unmatched in recent years. Since United's last Premier League title in 2013, City have claimed the trophy seven times—six under Guardiola, including the last four in a row. The squad is still packed with winners, and with Guardiola signing a contract extension, his position is secure.

However, City fans are demanding a swift return to form, starting with Sunday’s derby. A strong response against United would go a long way in quelling doubts about the team's future.

BEWARE THE BACKLASH

United’s recent visits to the Etihad have been chastening, with 13 goals conceded in their last three league trips. Although United triumphed over City in last season’s FA Cup final, they’ll need to capitalise on their rivals' vulnerabilities. Since November, City have conceded 21 goals across all competitions—the most of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.

Sunday’s clash presents an opportunity for both sides: City to reignite their season, and United to show signs of revival under Amorim. The stakes couldn’t be higher in what promises to be an intriguing instalment of the Manchester derby.

WHAT THE STATS SAY

Manchester City have won five of their last six Premier League games against Manchester United (L1), more than they had in their previous 13 (W4 D3 L6).

Manchester United have lost each of their last three Premier League away games against Man City, conceding 13 goals in the process. They last lost four consecutive league visits to the Citizens between 1952 and 1955.

Manchester United have lost 20 Premier League games against Man City – only against Arsenal (21) have they lost more in the competition.

Manchester City have conceded at least twice in seven of their last 11 Premier League games (W4 D3 L4), as many times as they had in their previous 62 in the competition.

Manchester United have lost both of their last two Premier League games, last losing three in a row within a single season in December 2015 under Louis van Gaal. New manager Ruben Amorim is yet to lose three on the bounce in his top-flight managerial career, with this his 172nd such match across Portugal’s Primeira Liga and England’s Premier League.

39% of Man Utd’s goals conceded in the Premier League this season have come from corner situations (7/18), the highest share in the division. So far in 2024, they’ve conceded 15 goals from corners, just three fewer than they did in 2021 (8), 2022 (4) and 2023 (6) combined.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has already beaten Manchester City this season, with his Sporting CP side winning 4-1 in a Uefa Champions League tie. Only one manager has beaten the reigning Premier League champions with two different sides in a single campaign, with Alan Pardew beating Man City with both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in 2014-15.

Erling Haaland has nine goal involvements in just four Premier League appearances against Manchester United (6 goals, 3 assists). It’s already the most goal involvements any Manchester City player has against the Red Devils in the competition.

Man City’s Phil Foden has scored six goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Manchester United. Only Sergio Agüero (8) has scored more Manchester derby goals for the Citizens in the competition than Foden (6, level with Erling Haaland).

After registering just two goal involvements (2 assists) in his nine Premier League games under Erik Ten Hag this season, Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes has had a hand in six in his last six following the Dutchman’s departure (3 goals, 3 assists). The Portuguese has also been involved in five goals in his last six appearances against Man City in all competitions (2 goals, 3 assists), providing an assist in each of the last three.