A Jose Mourinho-managed Manchester United will face a very formidable ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City who are tutored by former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcus Rashford are expected to light-up the encounter, although the youngsters only cost the Manchester clubs a meagre amount, the eventual outcome of today’s tie could be decided between them if the big names fail to deliver.
Iheanacho whose cannon for the Super Eagles of Nigeria sank Tanzania last Saturday, could be given a starting role following Sergio Augero’s absence owing to suspension .
What the managers are saying
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on the absence of City forward Sergio Aguero: “ It’s more difficult (for us). It looks a little bit of a contradiction, but without Aguero it is more difficult.
“When Aguero is available, we know that Aguero plays. We know their formation, we know their dynamics and nobody has doubts.
“They have so many options that for us in the preparation of the game, we have to go step by step, we have to go situation after situation because we try to reduce the unpredictability of the game, you know?”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: “Let me live this derby and after I can tell you how it can compare with Spain and Munich. I think that for the media on both sides, in Spain and here, it’s similar.
“I saw the four official games United have played and in every game they’ve played better than in the one before. Like us.
“Set pieces with tall guys it’s impossible to control that, they’re taller than us. They’re a top team, like Manchester United always is.”
Head-to-head
Of the 171 games played between the two sides, United have won 71, with 51 draws; City have only managed 49 wins.
Kick-off: 12.30pm
Venue: Old
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