Today’s Manchester derby could be the most unique since the two teams compete in the Premier League, as it may be the first time both clubs are equally crisis-hit. During Sir Alex Ferguson’s spell at Man United, the Red Devils were way ahead of their city rivals, while the last ten years brought Man City’s dominance. However, it’s hard to say which side is closer to favourite’s role today.City or United? 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/FPqe8sA8iq— Premier League (@premierleague) December 15, 2024 Pep on the stress he faces: ‘I sleep badly and I don’t digest food well’Pep Guardiola has – in prospect – a better squad at his disposal, but also a crew that has felt what it feels like to be “wounded” for the first time and still hasn’t found a way to overcome the shock. On the other hand, ever since Ferguson left, United have been in a crisis most of the time and that “routine” could represent their edge today. At Old Trafford, they hope they could pile up on the Cityzens’ misery, aware that the blue Manchester side still has more to lose.Local rivalry on a global scale. 🌍Welcome to the Manchester derby… pic.twitter.com/oUblXYQrRD— Premier League (@premierleague) December 15, 2024 The fact that Ruben Amorim could become the first Man United manager to win his debut city derby after Ferguson speaks volumes. None of six of Fergie’s successors managed to repeat his accomplishment, while half of them were crushed as David Moyes and Ralf Rangnick were each smashed 4-1, and Erik ten Hag was demolished 6-3. Louis van Gaal (1-0), Jose Mourinho (2-1), and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2-0) managed to “offer stronger resistance” and suffer more bearable defeats.Amorim’s January rebuild: Six ‘untouchables’ and several sellable surprisesThe eventual triumph would make “a new Ferguson” of Amorim, but the eventual loss would make him a Portuguese manager with the worst start in the Premier League. Guardiola and his men should never be written off, as they are more than capable of returning to the title race. They only need to break this terrible run with a win, and is there a better occasion to turn the page than against city rivals?ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 16SaturdayArsenal – Everton 0-0Liverpool – Fulham 2-2 (0-1)/Gakpo 47, Jota 86 – Pereira 11, Muniz 76/Newcastle – Leicester 4-0 (1-0)/Murphy 30,60, Bruno 48, Isak 50/Wolverhampton – Ipswich 1-2 (0-1)/Cunha 72 – Doherty 15 og, Taylor 90+3/Nott. Forest – Aston Villa 2-1 (0-0)/Milenkovic 87, Elanga, 90+3 – Duran 63/Sunday17:00: (1.90) Brighton (3.50) Crystal Palace (4.10)19:30: (1.63) Man.City (4.55) Man.Utd. (5.20)22:00: (1.33) Chelsea (5.50) Brentford (8.50)22: 00: (4.40) Southampton (3.90) Tottenham (1.75)Monday23:00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.70) West Ham (4.70)***odds are subject to change***
