Manchester United 1:2 Manchester City

Adisa · Aug 28, 2016

Essential we score first. Their endless possession will be very frustrating if we are having to chase.

Minimalist · Aug 28, 2016

Early in the season to have a massive sway, while (two weeks) away too but still, its Old Trafford, it's #Pogback

, #Zlatantime

and if Mourinho wants to prove he's still got it - it's time to put one over on the key opposition.

TheSwedeFromSweden · Aug 28, 2016

By comparing Citys first games with Uniteds i honestly would be surprised if City does not win. I think they have look much sharper and better the first matches. I think the lack of a traditional and fast defensive midfielder will hurt United. I think a offensive line of Nolito, Aguero, Sterling, De Bruyne and Silva can make a huge damage when they are facing Mata-Pogba-Fellaini-Martial. Will probably be a lot of situations when its just the four defenders left against Citys five offensive players.

I really think City will win, but god hope i am wrong and United win by three and Zlatan scores all of them.

Irrational. · Aug 28, 2016

I honestly cannot wait for this game. It's going to be such an interesting match-up. Style vs Brawn.

Having watched each of City's opening three games, they've made a habit of starting fast and then fading. I think this will be a similar case. They'll try and get a goal or two nice and early, and then hit us on the counter. It's essential we stay solid at the back during the opening 20 minutes.

With Mourinho you know his teams don't concede very easily and if we manage to come through the opening 20 minutes unscathed, then the game should be ours for the taking.

We also have a lot of height and power in there, so it will be interesting to see how Stones combats Ibra, Bailly combats Aguero*/Iwantanacho, Pogba vs Fernandinho, KdB vs Tony V, Martial Vs Zabaleta. So many interesting stylistic matchups.

It's not a do or die game by any stretch of the imagination, but one team will lose their winning streak.

It's going to be fascinating.

iammemphis · Aug 28, 2016

1-0 to United

De Gea
Valencia Bailly Blind Shaw
Pogba Schneiderlin (if Fellaini injured)
Mata Rooney Mkhitaryan
Ibra

amolbhatia50k · Aug 28, 2016

They will dominate possession. We will sit back and play on the counter.

I'm not very confident to be honest. City move the ball more fluidly going forward.

In Rainbows · Aug 28, 2016

I would like Mkhi and Martial to start. Two players that have the technique and composure to keep the ball under the pressure that City's pressing will bring. They also have the ability to run at defenders for the counter attacks.

ash_86 · Aug 28, 2016

Miki and Rashford for Mata and Martial please. Both were more influential than the other two.

Scholesy · Aug 28, 2016

Ibra vs Otamendia and Stones

anant · Aug 28, 2016

Haven't been convinced by City at all. Although they were great for the first 20-25 minutes today, they faded and were pretty poor.
United on the other hand have been decent, have been consistent throughout the game, although not as good as City were in the first 25 minutes today. If we can just not concede early in the game, I think we have a great chance.
Plus Aguero's ban is an added plus

Sammyjunn · Aug 28, 2016

Sam M said:
Nope, the city love in is back alive and well. They were awful in that second half, and are far from the finished product, as are we. To call them ''very strong'' is misleading and defeatist.

It's gonna be an even match up.

Are you having a discussion with yourself or? They are a very strong side and I've never said that they are the finished product, although I think they are more than us. City have a heigher ceiling than we have but have struggled with consistency mostly recent times.

Womp · Aug 28, 2016

Don't think we will win this, losing Fellaini is going to be a big blow. Replacement will most likely be Carrick who will get dominated due to the speed of City or Morgan who hasn't played much football in a while.

We will win if Aguero is out for the elbow, but don't see it happening.

JustinC00 · Aug 28, 2016

TheSwedeFromSweden said:
By comparing Citys first games with Uniteds i honestly would be surprised if City does not win. I think they have look much sharper and better the first matches.

What city team have you people been watching?

Needed a penalty and then an OG in the 87th minute at home to beat David Moyes' mighty Sunderland 2-1
That 4-1 scoreline against Stoke is a bit misleading because the game was 2-1 in the 85th minute
Then today score 2 early on and let West Ham back it in the 2nd half and it was definitely inchy bum time for Pep until Adrian made a terrible play on the ball and Sterling rolled it in in stoppage time.

Us on the other hand

Killed off Bournemouth in the 65th minute
Southampton never threatened after we got the 2nd in the 52nd min.
Struggled to put the ball in the net against Hull but completely dominated that game, deserved the win.

So just not seeing this "city have been clearly the better side" stuff.

JustinC00 · Aug 28, 2016

Womp said:
Don't think we will win this, losing Fellaini is going to be a big blow. Replacement will most likely be Carrick who will get dominated due to the speed of City or Morgan who hasn't played much football in a while.

Replacement will be Herrera who has the speed and has played this season.

Distracted Steward · Aug 28, 2016

Fellaini would be a miss. Hope he's fully fit. He was excellent in the CS and the first two matches and pretty decent against Hull. He'd be a lot to deal with for most of City's squad, and the way he's been playing he'd probably marshal them well.

Mciahel Goodman said:
Definitely a game for the counter. City press so high up the pitch under Pep that it's essential we break with speed and precision when we win the ball back. With this in mind, Mkhitaryan and Rashford should both start.

I wonder how there attacking midfield will play. When there is no real threat of the counter and they have the opposition pinned deep, they rove and interchange effectively. When given full license to do what they want, they overwhelm just about everyone they face. It'd be key to keep them busy where they have two way responsibility. Quick transition and counter attacks would do a lot to keep them honest.

Twigg said:
Don't think Martial will start - I think we'll see Carrick or Schneiderlin on for him

Do you figure it'd be Pogba for Martial that high and wide?

Womp · Aug 28, 2016

JustinC00 said:
Replacement will be Herrera who has the speed and has played this season.

Will leave us a little weak in the middle IMO, going to need someone who can allow Pogba to roam around the pitch without leaving us empty there.

Besides, not like Jose to go into big games without some sort of destroyer to annoy oppo attackers.

TheSwedeFromSweden · Aug 28, 2016

JustinC00 said:
What city team have you people been watching?

Needed a penalty and then an OG in the 87th minute at home to beat David Moyes' mighty Sunderland 2-1
That 4-1 scoreline against Stoke is a bit misleading because the game was 2-1 in the 85th minute
Then today score 2 early on and let West Ham back it in the 2nd half and it was definitely inchy bum time for Pep until Adrian made a terrible play on the ball and Sterling rolled it in in stoppage time.

Us on the other hand

Killed off Bournemouth in the 65th minute
Southampton never threatened after we got the 2nd in the 52nd min.
Struggled to put the ball in the net against Hull but completely dominated that game, deserved the win.

So just not seeing this "city have been clearly the better side" stuff.

Well, lets hope you're right.

Escobar · Aug 28, 2016

I don't think we'll win

Tom Van Persie · Aug 28, 2016

City are very vulnerable at the back and I believe we have the defense to cope with their attackers. Nothing is getting past Bailly/Blind

City press very high up the pitch so we should be able to hit them on the break. I'm confident we'll beat them.

bleedred · Aug 28, 2016

Womp said:
Don't think we will win this, losing Fellaini is going to be a big blow. Replacement will most likely be Carrick who will get dominated due to the speed of City or Morgan who hasn't played much football in a while.

We will win if Aguero is out for the elbow, but don't see it happening.

Sorry, I am not up to date on things. Whats wrong??

BlakeUtd · Aug 28, 2016

I feel like this is going to be a great match. My head tells me city would nick the win but my heart says a goal from Ibra or Miki scores the winner for us. i would go crazy if that happened (like the good old days)

LuisNaniencia · Aug 28, 2016

InfiniteBoredom said:
I don't think there'll be an early onslaught from them, but Pep will look to flood the midfield and thread some balls for Sterling and Aguero to run onto. We should look to bypass them by long balls and wing plays.

Definitely need some pace, and hope Zlatan knows how to wind up John Stones.

Zlatan will certainly own him physically. Otamendi to. Is Kompany out?

eggwithsideburns · Aug 28, 2016

.....................De Gea
Valencia.....Bailly.......Blind......Shaw
.............Herrara......Pogba
...Mkhitaryan....Zlatan.......Martial
.....................Rashford

Hope we play with more pace in this game so would like to see this line up. City's defence seems quite high up and open at times so if we play with pace we can try to take advantage of that. They will probably have a lot of the ball so it will suit us to play on the counter attack.

I think we should feel quite confident about getting a result, I think it will be a draw but hope we get the win.

TrustInJanuzaj · Aug 28, 2016

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.

BringNaniBack · Aug 28, 2016

We really need to be starting with some pace in attack, be that Martial and Rashford either side of Ibra or Mhki and Rashford. We will likely be playing on the counter so the likes of Mata, Rooney, who lack pace will be much less effective.

Tincanalley · Aug 28, 2016

anant said:
Haven't been convinced by City at all. Although they were great for the first 20-25 minutes today, they faded and were pretty poor.
United on the other hand have been decent, have been consistent throughout the game, although not as good as City were in the first 25 minutes today. If we can just not concede early in the game, I think we have a great chance.
Plus Aguero's ban is an added plus

Interesting comment. I havent seen City, commentators sounded worryingly impressed. We will miss Maroane if hes injured. I think BFS would have been a useful sub here. Anyway, can't wait. Come on United.

Tincanalley · Aug 28, 2016

Tom Van Persie said:
City are very vulnerable at the back and I believe we have the defense to cope with their attackers. Nothing is getting past Bailly/Blind City press very high up the pitch so we should be able to hit them on the break. I'm confident we'll beat them.

Now tell me, please. How fecking sweet would it be to celebrate after such a win?

Blatzo · Aug 28, 2016

excited for this. Should be a good game. Might be quite defensive this early in the season. Hope not.

Would take a boring win over an exciting loss though.

Tincanalley · Aug 28, 2016

Mciahel Goodman said:
This will be a tough game, both sides just finding themselves under new managers -- could go either way. We have the best defence in the league, they have the best attack.

One thing that gives me confidence is Jose's attention to detail. I think he might be the best one off, big game manager in history -- knows how to set up against any team. It might not always work, but it gives the players confidence in their roles.

We'll have to score two to win, I think. I can't see us keeping a clean sheet, but who knows. Am going to go 2-1 to us, but this is ridiculously tough to call.

I have a sense that it will be one of these epic, heartbraeaking decided by an error matches. It could end up 5 - 2 or something. Hopefully to MUFC.

littleman · Aug 28, 2016

Titanic game.

The impact on the race is significant but it's nothing the teams can't recover from this early in the season. But the Pep/Mourinho talking point, City in red hot form right now, and the new look United coming up against an actual test is just too delicious a setup. The conversations rippling out from this game will impact the league for weeks to come.

Can't wait!

Twigg · Aug 28, 2016

Distracted Steward said:
Do you figure it'd be Pogba for Martial that high and wide?

I dunno, looking at the lineups of his big games at previous clubs Ramirez seemed to play there often, so maybe.

Peyroteo · Aug 28, 2016

1st post in the mains

Mourinho loves his balance. You could see in first half of the Hull match that sometimes Hull's attackers managed to get the ball in between lines - ahead of the CBs and behind the midfield - and that will be the main priority in this match for Mourinho. Silva and De Bruyne can't get the ball there. That's why I'm pretty sure Herrera will start ahead of Rooney. I can see him being around the midfield chasing Silva all match. Mkhitaryan to start ahead of Mata too so that there's more pace for the counter attacks.

A front four of Martial, Pogba, Ibra and Mkhitaryan will be enough to cause this City defense trouble. Set pieces will be a huge advantage too.

It's all about how you set up defensively. Silva and De Bruyne have to be closed down and your full backs need to be able to stop Sterling. Both of your wingers will be very important in defense. Their fullbacks can't be able to have space inside your area and need to be closed down when overlapping. The only goal you've conceded so far came from that exact mistake by Martial.

Be ready to have about 35% possession, especially if you score an early goal.

Distracted Steward · Aug 28, 2016

Peyroteo said:
...Mourinho loves his balance. You could see in first half of the Hull match that sometimes Hull's attackers managed to get the ball in between lines - ahead of the CBs and behind the midfield - and that will be the main priority in this match for Mourinho. Silva and De Bruyne can't get the ball there. That's why I'm pretty sure Herrera will start ahead of Rooney. I can see him being around the midfield chasing Silva all match.

Welcome to the mains.

I still think Rooney will start. He's gotten a lot a flack on here but not for his work defensively. Unless in form, I don't see Herrera being so much better at it that Jose would drop his captain.

I'm with you on Mkhitryan starting for Mata, but the majority of the personnel changes will probably come from Fellaini's back injury. I imagine Jose will tweak tactics more than he'll tweak the line up for this one.

RedStarUnited · Aug 28, 2016

Im actually not scared, we will counter them all game long.

AngeloHenriquez · Aug 28, 2016

This is where I'd like a 4_3_3, if elbows is out then I'd like to see:

Dave
Val Bailey Blind Shaw
Herrera Pogba Schneiderlin
Miki Zlatan Rashford

Please drop Rooney now, he's been sub par for the first few games, chances are he will let us down although I can't see him dropping Rooney yet

VorZakone · Aug 28, 2016

United will win this. I'm confident Mourinho will figure out something + I think United's physicality will be the deciding factor.

Red Stone · Aug 29, 2016

As long as our lads get through the internationals without injuries we'll take this. City have conceded in all of their games so far. I'm confident we'll score at least one, and I trust our defence to shut up shop and secure the win based on their performances so far.

I think the Pep factor will bring out the most cynical side of Mourinho, but these games don't have to be pretty as long as we win. Three points on a title rival will be a massive sign of intent from us.

Womp · 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.

Fellaini has been one of our best players and he will be a big miss imo, that's why I'm not as confident. He woulda bullied their small midfield all game, Silva, KDB etc. wouldn't have been able to play.

Still think it'll be close though.

Jaybomb · Aug 29, 2016

abhayselvan said:
Any idea on how long he's out for? I'm expecting Herrera to replace him if he's out.

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

Schneiderlin and Fellaini for the #6 role.

Gerald G · Aug 29, 2016

We'll see but he said Fellaini has a bad back injury so I expect him to miss this one. A chance for Schneiderlin or Carrick (I can't see it being Herrera). My only problem is that they haven't played for a while and Herrera will be most match fit.

Oh and I hope Miki comes in for Mata.

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