Against Watford, Man United played some of the best football they have exhibited under their interim boss but in the end, they had to be content with a 0-0 draw, that too at home.
One point against the Hornets is surely not enough to make a claim for a Champions League spot but next up, Man United take on Manchester City and a draw will be a superb result for Ralf Rangnick’s side this weekend.
Over the past few years, City have turned into the juggernauts in Manchester as well as in the Premier League so Manchester United go into Sunday’s game as the heavy underdogs.
Under Rangnick, United have improved quite a lot but they still can’t score goals and this is going to be a big issue for them this weekend. To make matters worse, players like Maguire have looked really shaky at times this season and with the kind of attack that Man City have, Guardiola’s side can shred them to pieces.
Manchester United are still holding onto the fourth spot on the table and they will need to win if they wish to remain in that place. But against a team like Manchester City, we don’t think the away side will be able to pick up all three points.
Man United team news vs Manchester City:
Lindelof and Raphael Varane paired up in central defence against Watford and the pair put up a really solid performance. After a really long time, Man United were able to play with a high line, thereby putting pressure on their opponents.
But we don’t think the manager will take the risk of keeping Harry Maguire on the bench meaning Lindelof is going to make way for the club captain.
Nemanja Matic paired up with Fred in midfield last weekend because McTominay was out with an illness but Rangnick is hopeful that the Scottish international will be fit to take on Manchester City on Sunday.
The manager had updated in the weekend: “He is still ill, he hasn’t been training with us, so hopefully he will start training with us again next week.”
If McTominay is fit then there’s no way Paul Pogba will get to start in midfield because against Atletico Madrid, the Frenchman turned out to be a massive liability.
David de Gea has kept 129 Premier League clean sheets, more than any other Man United goalkeeper.
Unmatched 😤 pic.twitter.com/oLBmKR3Z5P
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 27, 2022
Pogba played on the left wing against Watford but if McTominay is fit then Pogba will have to be content with a place on the bench because Jadon Sancho is going to come into that side.
Anthony Elanga has been impressive under the interim boss and with Greenwood unavailable, the youngster should hold onto his place on the right-hand side.
Man United players will need to run their socks off against a team like Manchester City so ideally, Cristiano Ronaldo should not be starting this match. But with Edison Cavani out injured, Ralf Rangnick does not have a choice.
The manager can try and use Marcus Rashford up front but the England international is also out of form so we think Rangnick will stick with CR7. Ronaldo might not be scoring goals but the Man United boss would much rather keep him on the pitch instead of Rashford.
We really don’t see Man United put up a fight against Manchester City, that too at the Etihad. If they decide to sit deep and play on the counter then it will be a total catastrophe so the only way they can pick up something from this match is if they play on the offensive and take the game to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Most minutes played under Ralf Rangnick this season:
🇪🇸 David de Gea (1,350')
🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes (1,338')
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo (1,228')
🏴 Scott McTominay (1,158')
🏴 Harry Maguire (1,039')Rangnick's most trusted players? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WeSWLfghbn
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 1, 2022
Man United’s injury updates:
Scott McTominay – Illness – Likely to be fit in time.
Edinson Cavani – Groin Injury – Ruled out.
Mason Greenwood – Unavailable.
Manchester United players to watch out for:
Bruno Fernandes – He’s scored 9 goals and provided six assists in 26 Premier League and he’s yet to hit peak form this season.
Ronaldo – Even though CR7 has not got going in 2022 but he doesn’t need much to get back amongst the goals.
De Gea – The keeper has been the saving grace many a time this season and the Spaniard is sure to be called into action multiple times on Sunday. If he can shut out Man City then Rangnick’s side will have a much better chance at winning.
