Meet the opposition: manchester city
Still not at their fluent best but City are by far the most dangerous team in the league on their day
editorial
Are the Glazers really protecting themselves with this Dutch cap?
The guy on the left of the picture is the one you wanted. The guy on the right is the one you got. That’s life supporting a club run by the Glazers, isn’t it? Speaking of which, if you’re going to Old Trafford on Saturday, join the protest! We have to keep it up until they’re gone. They might still stay if they get investors, we have to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Our lead article in this issue discusses this bizarre “there’s no money except for loans, and even they have to be cheap loans” approach to the current transfer window. The fact that the bank balance is low is no excuse. Barcelona still find a way to sign players. The fact that the club is up for sale is an even worse excuse. Liverpool are up for sale, yet they bought Gakpo. Darragh Fox thinks the Glazers could be shooting themselves in the foot with this approach, and it wouldn’t be the first time.
Having said that, Weghorst, the Burnley reject, might prove to be a really shrewd move. Ayantan Chowdhury has been looking into Weghorst’s background and it makes for very interesting reading. He sounds like the perfect Ten Hag character. And if anyone can get the best out of him, his fellow Twente man can.
If he is indeed a stopgap, who is going to be the permanent replacement come June? Eckers thinks it should be Harry Kane, and puts in a very good argument for why it should be and why it could be much easier to land this summer than you might think.
Meanwhile, back to the January window, there are some big decisions to make about the youngsters. In the last issue we discussed whether Amad Diallo should be brought back from his Sunderland loan. In this issue, Derick Kinoti makes a case for keeping Facundo Pellistri and sending Anthony Elanga out to re-find himself.
Pellistri had to wait 2½ years for his 10-minute United debut and he certainly made the most of it. Elanga, by contrast, has had chance after chance. It certainly would balance the books a little if Ten Hag were to give the Uruguayan the second half of the season to provide the backup for Antony and co.
Speaking of Antony, he is the subject of our Devils’ Advocate debate this week. Paul Scholes once called him a one-trick pony: fair or cruel?
The big match this weekend is a great chance for Ten Hag’s united to assess their own progress since the 6-3 drubbing earlier in the season. City have not been firing on all cylinders of late so we can certainly be optimistic of a closer game. And it could be a weekend for putting our other big rivals in their place, as the women take on Liverpool at Leigh. Zoe Hodges previews that one and compares the rivalries in the men’s and women’s games between the two clubs.
Latest united news
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The top news stories about United this week, handpicked for you. Clicking on any headline will open the full story from The Peoples Person in a new window. See the dedicated transfers page for more transfer news.
Charlton boss reveals Ten Hag’s incredible gesture
1958 to launch ambitious protest against Glazers
Antony was “left shaken” after massive car crash
Gambling on Fourth
Allowing Chelsea and Liverpool to strengthen with United’s own top targets could cost the Glazers dear
There may not seem a significant difference between finishing 4th and finishing 5th in most sports, yet within the context of the Premier League it can be the difference between a good season and a bad one; the foundation of progress or the death knell of failure. This unforgiving disparity rests entirely upon the contrast between the Champions League and the Europa League. The promised land of 4th place grants entry to the Champions League while 5th consigns you to its younger brother, the Europa. For a club like Manchester United, there is only one home.
The Champions League represents the holy grail of club football. Gary Lineker labels it the ‘ultimate club competition’ while Steven Gerrard described as the place every player ‘wants to be in’. The Europa League constitutes more of a consolation prize; somewhere top clubs rest their star players and a competition which requires constant rebranding, in an effort to increase interest. It’s a perspective which appears universal amongst players, with the prospect of playing against Europe’s best a fundamental factor in transfer decisions. When approaching a summer window, clubs who have qualified for the Champions League have a significant advantage in attracting new talent.
The quality and intensity of Champions League football is a world away from the Europa League, and this is reflected in viewing figures. The 2022 Europa League final drew less viewers than the newly established Europa Conference League Final while, conversely, the same year’s Champions League final drew a record British audience. Even the unmemorable, and frankly undesirable, Europa League music pales in comparison to the distinctive and electrifying crescendo of the Champions League anthem. If players overwhelmingly want to play for clubs in the Champions League, this is certainly matched by fans wanting to watch their club compete in it. The contrast with the Europa League is so paramount that Thursday has been reappropriated as a weapon for fans to insult rivals with: ‘Enjoy playing on Thursday evenings’ a scathing blow to a fan of a team with lofty ambitions.
The benefits of playing amongst Europe’s elite are not limited to competitive ambition or fans preferences however. Economically there is a world of difference between the big brother and little brother of European football. Teams that qualify for the Champions League receive £13.48 million at a minimum; this amount can then increase predicated on their European coefficient (the system by which UEFA seeds clubs based on performance). A win in the group stages of the competition nets an extra £2.4 million per match, while qualification to the last sixteen is rewarded with a further £8.2 million. The economic benefits of progressing even further rise exponentially. Conversely, Europa League teams receive a more modest £3.3 million as their base minimum. A group stage win produces a £572,000 bonus and entry into the last sixteen of the tournament merits £1.1 million. The contrast is stark.
Yet the advantage of a 4th place finish compared to 5th does not stem exclusively from continental money – domestically there is benefit as well. The Premier League has a clearly defined payment structure which attempts to both distribute fairly and reward competitive success. The TV rights are divided equally at a base level amongst the 20 teams in the league that season; a principled approach which maintains the competitive nature of the league. Prize money, however, is distributed in an incremental system based upon success on the pitch. The Athletic reports that the difference in prize money last year, between a single league position, amounted to roughly £2.2 million; 4th place receiving around £37.4 million while 5th place settling for £35.2 million. The base level difference in money – between finishing 4th and finishing 5th in the Premier League – is, therefore, a minimum of £12.38 million, with the potential for far greater sums based on competitive success in these European competitions. A significant, but not ground-breaking, figure for well-established English teams.
Or, put another way, it’s a figure which roughly equates to the price Atlético Madrid are demanding for the six-month loan of João Félix. The deal would have represented a gamble, but considering the vast array of benefits associated with securing Champions League qualification, it would have been a gamble worth taking given the talent the Portuguese forward possesses. Chelsea certainly agree, being close to completing a deal for Félix at the time of writing. Liverpool have placed similar importance on upgrading their attacking options in January, given Cody Gakpo’s explosive season at PSV was rewarded with a £40 million move to Anfield. Both clubs are gambling on better forward lines engendering better chances of securing Champions League football.
Given Manchester United’s threadbare attack is an injury or two away from anaemia, it’s a choice Erik Ten Hag would have liked the club to roll the dice on. The Dutch manager stressed in a recent interview how United ‘need depth in the squad and, especially I would say, the front line.’ With Cristiano Ronaldo having relocated to Saudi Araba, and Anthony Martial’s recent form more reminiscent of the Incredible Sulk United fans are used to than the Superman figure he began the season as, a striker of Félix’s calibre and skillset would have been a felicitous option for Manchester United. The type of signing that helps ensure a place amongst Europe’s elite next season.
With no disrespect to Wout Weghorst, assuming he is the extent of attacking reinforcements brought in to Old Trafford this month, United’s owners are taking a horrible gamble in allowing the likes of Félix and Gakpo to fall into their opponents’ hands. And with so much money at stake, it is one that could massively backfire at a time when their single remaining need is to attract investment to the club.
Darragh Fox
Manager: pep guardiola
Guardiola's credentials do not lie. He has completely revolutionised City's playing style and has earned trophies galore during his stay in Manchester. But his ultimate goal of winning the Champions League remains elusive and that is what his team will be targetting this season. His team's league form remains patchy so far and they are the only team capable of catching Arsenal. The last time these two sides met, City completely eviscerated United and the Spaniard has revealed he is thinking of using ridiculous tactics to complete the league double over their Manchester neighbours.
One to watch: phil foden
Foden had started the season in bright fashion and was the destroyer-in-chief in the previous edition of the Manchester Derby, notching a hat-trick. But since the World Cup, the City manager did not use the young English playmaker as much, choosing to leave him out of the starting XI for the first three games before giving him minutes against Everton and Chelsea. But he shone in a more central role in their FA Cup demolition of Chelsea and it once again will show Guardiola that Foden deserves to start against their derby rivals.
club and fans
As per the Football Benchmark study, the Premier League champions generated the most revenue among the season’s eight European domestic football champions with $785 million. City’s revenue increased 13% year-over-year, topping UEFA Champions League winner Real Madrid’s $767 million — a 12% year-over-year increase. The City Football Group also announced recently that it is undertaking feasibility studies “to develop a best-in-class fan experience and a year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium”. Plans include increasing the capacity of the Etihad Stadium from 53,400 to more than 60,000, while also adding a covered fan zone, a new club shop and museum, workspace, and a hotel.
top scorer: erling haaland
He was guaranteed to score goals but nobody could have envisaged the kind of impact the Norwegian has had so far in his debut season in English football. His goals in December saw him become the first Premier League player in history to score 20 league goals before January – and incredible achievement. Haaland is running away with the Premier League's Golden Boot. The 22-year-old has 21 Premier League goals already this season, and 27 in all competitions by the start of January. Given the prices of the other attacking additions this season, the £51million City paid for his services looks to be an absolute steal.
interesting stats
Manchester United have lost more home games against City (8) than any other opponent. The Cityzens have also inflicted the most number of losses in the competition on United, 18 in total and level with Chelsea and Liverpool. The game will give City the chance to complete a Premier League double over their derby rivals for the sixth time, They are currently level on five with Liverpool. Statistics make for grim ready for United as they have now conceded 12 times in their last three meetings, the same number they had conceded in 12 games prior to the previous three encounters combined. If City score four, it will be the most goals United have conceded against an opponent in a single season. They conceded a record nine times against Liverpool last term.
FORM AND INJURIES
Man City enter the contest after a patchy run of league form which has seen them drop eight points in their last eight Premier League games (W5 D1 L2) – as many as they had given up in their previous 16 league matches before this run (W13 D3 L0). They were held to a disappointing draw by struggling Everton while Brentford put in a hammer blow prior to the World Cup break. The early Saturday lunchtime kick-off slot was not kind on City last time around as they suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Brentford thanks to an Ivan Toney brace. United have won both their last two games during that time by a 0-1 margin.
match preview
All the latest information about the upcoming game.
Team News and Predicted XI
Erik ten Hag has given every indication that he will field his strongest United side for the Premier League clash with City on Saturday. And probably for the first time since the Dutchman took over as manager, it seems quite clear who he considers to be among those 11 starters.
In defence, with David de Gea restored in goal, Diogo Dalot has now been confirmed NOT to have recovered from the hamstring issue that he tweaked again against Charlton in midweek. Ten Hag has reported that it was nothing serious and that the right back was taken off as a precaution, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to deputise.
Luke Shaw was rested for that game but is likely to return ahead of Tyrell Malacia. On current form, Shaw is hands down the better option. Especially when it comes to corners.
At centre back, the manager is expected to recall Raphael Varane to partner Lisandro Martinez. Harry Maguire kept a clean sheet alongside Martinez against the Addicks but did not perform particularly well.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will almost certainly return in midfield and Bruno Fernandes at number 10, having served a one-match suspension.
Anthony Martial was also rested against Charlton and is still a doubt due to “a little thing in his leg”, to quote the boss. He trained yesterday so his response will be monitored. If he plays he flanked by the in-form Marcus Rashford and Antony, if not, Rashford should play up front with Alejandro Garnacho coming in on the left wing.
Wout Weghorst was not registered in time to take part in the game.
Match officials
Referee: Stuart Attwell.
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Darren Cann.
Fourth official: Robert Jones.
VAR: Michael Oliver. Assistant VAR: Nick Hopton.
More than a target man: why united want wout weghorst
Apart from being an elite goalscorer, his will to win and relentless hard-working nature help him stand apart
So far during his six-month stint as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has done little wrong. From smart business in the transfer market to helping previously under-performing players re-find their mojo, it has been an impressive journey so far. The team are on course to fulfill all the aims decided upon prior to the start of the season. Reported incoming loan signing Wout Weghorst is not the name most supporters were hoping for when the club announced plans to recruit a goalscorer on a temporary basis. And that is exactly why the club and the fans should trust the Dutchman’s judgement.
Despite an underwhelming campaign in England for Burnley last season, the Dutch striker remains deadly in front of goal as can be seen from his current loan spell in Turkey. He has scored nine goals in 18 games and prior to his arrival on English shores, he had plundered 45 goals in 86 appearances for AZ Alkmaar and 70 goals in 144 appearances for Wolfsburg. His ill-fated spell at Turf Moor was more to do with Burnley’s route one tactics than his own lacklustre displays.
As pointed out by James Ducker in his piece for The Daily Telegraph, “With his 6ft 6in frame, the logical conclusion to draw when Burnley signed Weghorst from Wolfsburg for £12 million on deadline day last January was that this was a like-for-like replacement for Chris Wood, who had left for Newcastle.”
But his strengths lie elsewhere as pointed out in the article. His impressive goalscoring record for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga was not only because he was target man. His technical skills, ability to drop deep and link-up play and bring others into the game came in for a lot of praise. According to The Athletic, Weghorst averages 16.64 short passes per 90, which shows his inclination to combine with teammates and link up play. With Ten Hag wanting to implement a fluid attacking system, the Dutch striker can be the perfect foil for speedy runners like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
And his biggest strength, something Ten Hag will have looked at and been impressed with, is his hard-working nature and relentless running ability. The 30-year-old prides himself on his fantastic fitness levels and during his Wolfsburg days, he was “regularly topping the statistics for distance covered, and even during his Burnley struggles his high intensity running and work off the ball stood out.”
The Telegraph mentioned that “the Dutchman, for example, was fourth in the Premier League for pressures per 90 minutes last term, despite only joining in mid-season.” In fact, United fans will remember how his pressing and running and eventual pass allowed Jay Rodriguez to equalise last season. Weghorst does not press hastily nor for the sake of it. He recovers the ball 3.86 times per 90 minutes, according to FBRef, making him one of the best strikers in this proactive aspect of the game.
As a recent article from Dutch outlet AD pointed out, Weghorst possesses an incredible will to win and this is undoubtedly one of the key reasons why Ten Hag has asked for Weghorst’s signature. The Dutchman’s Total Football ideals rely on players proactively working in unison to regain possession once lost.
And finally, there is his character. Ten Hag has made it a point to bring in good characters, that not only uplift the mood around the camp but also bring about a change in the way the team trains. And Weghorst is the right kind of recruit from Ten Hag’s perspective. The Dutch publication further revealed that the towering forward is an absolutely excellent trainer, a “beast that always delivers.” So much so that he is said to resort to “fury and snorting” at the prospect of a missed opportunity for extra training. Weghorst’s work ethic, above all else, is impeccable. A player who works so hard that others question why they themselves cannot do more is invaluable to a squad – it raises the bar between matchdays, which in turn brings the team to new levels when it matters most. That is surely one of the things that will have appealed to Ten Hag who, hailing from the same region of the Netherlands (Twente) and, knowing many of Weghorst’s former coaches personally, will not have been short on references for the frontman.
Ten Hag wanted a more traditional No 9, someone who could offer a different option to the ones that already exist in United’s ranks, but he is going to get so much more if the move does work out. Performances and statistics aside, reports indicating he is ready to pay from his own pocket to come to Manchester should indicate just what sort of a man he is. Not haggling for an extension nor demanding a wage increase, Weghorst just wants to prove himself and The Theatre of Dreams might be the perfect setting for him to do just that.
Ayantan Chowdhury
transfer rumours
What’s hot, what’s real and what’s not
In this section we look at some of the most active transfer stories of the week about United, both comings and goings. We give each story a fire rating (how hot the story is, out of five) and a star rating (how reliable the story is, out of five).
our top transfer tip
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rated 5 out of 5
Wout Weghorst (Burnley)
The 30 year old striker is seen as a stopgap until the club is soldand at time of writing is flying in to complete a 6-month loan deal from the Clarets. United are hoping he could even be available for the derby.
🔥🔥
Rated 1.5 out of 5
Evan Ndicka (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Another free transfer possibility for the summer, Ndicka has been linked with a host of clubs including United. The centre back is reportedly highly unlikely to stay on at Frankfurt.
The classy 23 year old could replace Harry Maguire, Phil Jones and/or Axel Tuanzebe, all of whom have been linked with summer departures.
Rated 2 out of 5
marcus thuram (b. mönchengladbach)
Chelsea, Newcastle, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa are all keen on the 23 year old.
Inter were leading the chase for him but a €15m fee and €5m salary is deemed out of their reach, which had placed United as favourites. La Repubbica claimed the Red Devils have already made a contract offer. But all the talk of Weghorst and lack of budget even for a cut-price signing leeaves us keeping fingers crossed he’ll still be available in June.
🔥🔥🔥
Rated 2.5 out of 5
Memphis depay (Barcelona)
Barca are keen to offload, the player is reportedly keen to come back to United and with only 6 months remaining on his contract, he won’t cost much although cheeky Barca are reportedly trying for a fee. A compatriot of Ten Hag, too, all the pieces seem to fit, but The Athletic report that United would prefer a stop-gap loan such as Weghorst and then go for a more fancied striker in the summer.
🔥
Rated 1 out of 5
Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)
This story starts to simmer then goes cold again. The just-turned-18-year-old’s contract at Dortmund expires in June and his agent has said they are not close to agreeing a new deal, making it a no-brainer, or so you’d think.
There are very few reports linking him with United and with Barcelona ruled out, Chelsea seem to be making all the moves. It feels like United are about to miss another massive Dortmund-related opportunity.
🔥
Rated 1.5 out of 5
Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt)
French outlet l’Equipe claimed that United were readying a €60m offer for the 24 year old but this never amounted to anything, probably due tothe reported financial situation.
This could reactivate in the summer. Fabrizio Romano says the price tag will be €70m, Bayern Munich are also keen and Frankfurt don’t want to sell mid-season.
Photo of the week: flying buttress
Getty Images
Keep Pellistri and loan out Elanga?
A case for the Uruguayan
As Manchester United eased past League One opposition Charlton Athletic this week to advance to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, an unlikely hero earned himself a share of the plaudits and recognition: Facundo Pellistri. The Uruguay international was introduced into proceedings in the 84th minute for the lacklustre Anthony Elanga and wasted no time making an impact. Pellistri set up Marcus Rashford in a well-worked goal to register an assist on his senior United debut, 3 years since arriving at Old Trafford from Penarol! Beyond the brilliant assist for Rashford’s first and United’s second of the night, Pellistri completed a few take-ons and showed his class that has made him a regular presence in Uruguay’s starting XI. The 21-year-old displayed remarkable balance and poise on the ball that sparked United’s goal charge in the dying embers of the game.
Pellistri was lauded by Erik ten Hag after the game. The United boss remarked that the young winger has a future at the Theatre of Dreams and heaped praise on his fantastic influence when the game seemed to be heading towards teetering on a knife’s edge. Soon after it was reported that Pellistri is interested in going out on loan in January in search of first-team minutes. These reports continued throughout Wednesday, with the likes of Valencia, Flamengo and Watford retaining an interest in the United man. Ten Hag, in consultation with club chiefs are pondering over the next course of action and which outcome would have maximum benefit for the player. This consideration comes as United also mull over whether to let Elanga depart for Everton temporarily until the end of the season. The Toffees are keen on the Swede to bolster their attacking line.
The club is unlikely to let both Elanga and Pellistri leave in one window. United’s shortness in attack deprives Ten Hag of the luxury of loaning out both stars. A determination must be made on who to let leave, at the expense of relegating the other to a secondary role on the bench. On the evidence of his cameo against Charlton and how Elanga’s season has panned out so far, it makes more sense to keep Pellistri and move the Swede on. There are a number of reasons behind this conclusion. Firstly, Pellistri is the only other natural right-winger at the club other than Antony. Ten Hag has shown a preference for deploying Rashford and even Elanga in that position, but it has hardly worked out. Both academy graduates are far more effective off the left or as central strikers. Jadon Sancho’s unavailability renders Pellistri the only other logical alternative for Antony. Against Charlton, the Uruguayan showed he can hold his own with the big boys and even stand out. Ten Hag has so far been reluctant to significantly use Pellistri but his cameo yesterday may force a rethink.
Another reason for keeping Pellistri over Elanga is that at present he potentially offers more. In the few minutes he was on the pitch against Charlton, he did more than Elanga who had the entire game to impress and failed spectacularly. This campaign has been a disaster for Elanga, a far cry from the brilliant breakout season he enjoyed under Ralf Rangnick. He seems lost while on the pitch and levels below a Manchester United player. In instances, he has genuinely appeared to be massively out of his depth and may be best served being put out of his misery in the way of a loan to another club. At Goodison Park, Elanga would be assured of minutes and a prominent role within Frank Lampard’s setup as the Merseyside club look to mount a relegation escape. Elanga can be central to this and in the process rediscover his best self. In many ways, a move to Everton can work to his advantage if he’s interested. It may be that his exit puts an end to Pellistri’s long wait for a big break at United.
Derick Kinoti
The devil's advocate
“Antony is a one-trick pony”
The case for ...
The selected statement here is obviously giving a nod to Paul Scholes’ remark in early October that Antony is a one trick pony, something the Ginger Prince apologetically took back days later.
However, I don’t think he should have taken it back. So far, all evidence suggests that while it is a very good trick, there really is only one trick in his locker. Well, OK, two, if you include the little spinning circus trick. But let’s not count that nonsense.
Never since Arjen Robben has there been a more one-footed, left-footed footballer. But with Robben, as a wise man said recently, even though you knew what he was going to do, you still couldn’t stop him. You might argue the same is true of Antony. He scored again against Charlton and he’s registered three goals in eight Premier League games – very respectable – and 5 in 11 for United overall.
But it’s the assists column that bothers me. Zero in 11. For a winger, that’s not great. For a €100 million winger, it’s really not great. Facundo Pellistri has an assist after 10 minutes of football.
Look, Antony receives ball, cuts inside and unleashes a curler that screams into the net on the goalie’s right. That’s the trick. But can he release the ball quickly on the counter? Can he knock it past his man, beat him for speed and put in a dangerous cross? Can he play a one-two with the centre forward? Can he open up play with an unpredictable and well-timed run off the ball?
I hope all this is coming. And he was Johnny on the Spot for his tap-in against Everton last weekend. But so far, his general play just seems frustrating. We’ve all been moaning about Jadon Sancho having lost the ability to do what wingers do, but Antony seems to have the same problem.
Sometimes people (myself included) criticise Rashford for just running full pelt at the defender, straight line, no finesse. But at least that gives the defender a problem to deal with. Too much finesse, too much ball juggling or foot wagging just serves to slow down the attack, allows a second defender to cover and inevitably leaves to laying it back to the full back or smashing it against the defender’s legs for a throw in. That’s why Antony has no assists to his name so far at United.
I trust Erik ten Hag so much right now that I feel sure there must be more in the Brazilian’s locker than we have seen so far. But for now, I am happy to argue, yes, Antony is a one-trick pony, Scholesy was right first time.
Red Billy
The case against...
Is Antony one-footed? Yes. But being one-footed isn’t the same as being a one-trick pony. Take a look at this video, compiled after just a few weeks of him joining United: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlhLb1S3jgE There is every trick in the book on display there.
He’s a good dribbler, offers width before coming inside, has great work rate and lots of potential still.
The video shows him beating his defender on the outside, on the inside, and doing all the things Billy says he hasn’t seen, releasing the ball quickly on the counter, knocking it past his man, beating him for speed and putting in a dangerous cross, playing a one-two with the centre forward, opening up play with an unpredictable and well-timed run off the ball.
Billy really needs glasses.
Besides, even if he hadn’t hsown all those things yet, what happened to giving players time to settle? What allowances have been made for him carrying an injury and being called up to play in the World Cup just two months into his United career? Or totalling his car on New Year’s Eve?
He’s also got a lot better defensively already than he showed when he first arrived.
You have to remember that he’s only 22. Same age as Sancho and just a year older than Pellistri, for example. He didn’t have the benefit of a top academy, either. There’s a lot more to come yet.
Will he ever develop a right foot? Probably not, although players can improve their weaker foot as their career goes on. But is he a one-trick pony? He has more tricks up his sleeve than a magic circle convention.
Red Moon
newton heath
Classic United matches from yesteryear
20th September 2009 – Manchester United 4 Manchester City 3
Less than a month into the 2009/10 season, United welcomed their City rivals to a raucous Old Trafford for the 153rd Manchester derby, with the teams level on points, both having won four of their opening five matches. The Red Devils, beginning the new campaign as Premier League champions and Champions League finalists for the second consecutive year, had been in free scoring mood, and were as confident as ever of sending their noisy neighbours back across the city empty handed.
City, managed by former United hero Mark Hughes, and lead on the pitch by the slightly less popular former red, Carlos Tevez, found themselves behind early on, as Wayne Rooney toe-poked the ball home to send the home fans into raptures inside two minutes. But City stayed composed, and after the troublesome Tevez put keeper Ben Foster under pressure, the Argentinian forced him into a calamitous mistake on the edge of his box, before squaring a pass to Gareth Barry who slotted the ball home for a gift of an equaliser and the sides went into the break on level terms.
United dominated as the second half got underway, and after some good play found themselves ahead once again, taking the lead through a back post header, as Darren Fletcher rose above his marker to restore the home side’s lead on 49 minutes. But just as the reds thought they were on top, up popped Craig Bellamy with a super strike, thundering the ball past Foster into the top right corner. City just wouldn’t back down, and as the game headed into its final 10 minutes, a classic was in the making.
United battered City’s goal, forcing Shay Given into making save after save. Two near identical headers from Dimitar Berbatov, both clawed away by the blues keeper, before he tipped a fierce shot from Ryan Giggs over the bar. But in the 80th minute, another towering header from Fletcher, rising to meet a vicious swinging cross from the magical left foot of Giggs, restored the lead and seemed to have the visitors on their knees.
With just seconds to go, and United looking to have done enough to see the match out, Rio Ferdinand hesitated, his sloppy pass was intercepted and the lightning quick Bellamy ran away from the England defender, slipped a near-post shot beyond an onrushing Foster, and the away section could hardly believe their eyes, seeing a 90th minute goal to make it 3-3.With 4 minutes of added time up on the board, neither team were going to sit back and take a point. Much less Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, the masters of utilising “Fergie time”, in their quest to steal games at the death.
As City boss Hughes was visibly angry, screaming for the final whistle, United continued to press into the 96th minute. As Rooney lofted a speculative pass into the box, the loose ball fell at Giggs’ feet, he slotted an inch perfect pass into the path of substitute Michael Owen, who slotted the ball home, the ex Liverpool man securing a 4-3 win in front of the Stretford End.
As Manchester derbies go, this one will live long in the memory. In the short term though, Monday morning bragging rights, at work and at school, belonged to the red side of Manchester once more.
United Line up: Ben Foster, John O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Ji-Sung Park (Antonio Valencia), Darren Fletcher, Anderson (Michael Carrick), Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov (Michael Owen), Wayne Rooney.
Paul Speller
eckers
A case for going for Kane this summer
Manchester United need a striker. A top striker. It seems clear that, makeweights aside, this isn’t likely to happen in the current window, making the search for the perfect number 9 our big priority come the summer. Ideally we need someone who can hold the ball up, bring other people into play and, most importantly score plenty of goals. Someone who can hit the ground running and use their experience to help guide the younger forwards. In short, we need Harry Kane.
‘But what about Daniel Levy?’, you might reasonably enquire. Yes, yes, Daniel Levy is probably the single worst person to buy from. He’s so committed to squeezing money out of people that his surname literally means ‘to tax’. And no, spending most of the summer chasing the Spurs’ supremo’s most profitable asset wouldn’t be ideal considering the scars from last year’s fruitless chase for Frenkie de Jong are still healing. If possible, United need to do their business quickly and with a minimum of fuss.
However. It’s Harry Kane. The man is an absolute goal machine who would instantly take our entire forward line up a level. Not only is he as close as it gets to a guarantee of goals but he’s in his prime, has a great all-round game, can comfortably play as a 9 or 9.5 and wouldn’t need months to adapt to the pace of the league.
We need a sure thing and he’s the surest of sure things. And signing him would seriously weaken a rival. Much as I hate to throw a ‘Fergie would have…’ in here…Fergie definitely would have.
Yes, there are compelling counter-arguments, with the most common being that he’s just about ready to decline. We’ve been hearing this for about 2 years and yet Kane has just kept on scoring. It’s also worth noting that the general fitness levels of modern strikers means they’re no longer washed up by 31. If anything, the likes of Zlatan, Lewandowski, Cavani, Ronaldo, Messi et al suggest that a prolonged peak is becoming the new normal. By that logic, we could quite easily be profiting from ‘arry’s enduring brilliance for a good 4 or 5 years. After all, he’s never relied on pace to be consistently lethal.
Another common counter-argument is that his weak ankles and fitness record are signs of some shocking imminent body apocalypse. However the truth is that, aside from the odd short-lived scare, the Spurs hotshot has barely missed a game through injury since 2019. In fact, he’s yet to miss a Premier League game this season.
Perhaps the most obvious stumbling block to any deal for the England ace is the fee needed to prise him away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. All sorts of exorbitant valuations have been mooted, with some going as high as £150m.
However, while Levy would hate to lose his talisman to a rival, he’ll also know that the forward’s current deal ends in 2024. This summer is his last chance to recoup a significant sum rather than seeing the player leave for nothing in just over a year’s time. That alone will drive the price down. From a practical point of view it makes sense to cash in now.
With United likely to be either taken over or receiving a major cash injection this year, Kane’s dwindling value could represent a big statement that satisfies both the selling and buying clubs. Levy gets a big sum to reinvest and United get one of the best attackers in the country. It’s a win-win.
Kane himself has previously hinted at having itchy feet at Spurs and seems unlikely to renew his deal any time soon. With his current club having a turbulent season under Antonio Conte, it seems likely that a move to Manchester might appeal. He’d be joining a club on the rise, with Champions League football looking a strong possibility and playing under a manager who could give him the platform to perform at his best.
Interestingly the Red Devils might even find themselves in a small group of suitors. Kane seems happy and settled in the UK but neither Liverpool nor City need him and Spurs’ rivalry with Chelsea would surely rule them out. Newcastle could be a rival but United seem a surer bet just now. Unless a foreign giant can turn his head there might never be a better time to bring in one of the best attacker’s of his generation.
If stats are your thing, here’s a small selection. This season, Kane has scored 15 goals in 18 PL games. He’s currently 1 goal behind Jimmy Greaves’ 265 in Spurs’ goal scoring hall of fame. Meanwhile, he’s the joint best goalscorer in England history, with 53 – this despite having played 40 less caps than record-sharer, Wayne Rooney. Talking about Rooney, the Londoner has an astonishing 192 PL goals, placing him just 16 shy of second-placed Wazza’s 208.
If United are serious about backing Ten Hag and want to solve our striker problems in one fell swoop, making a move for Kane is a no-brainer. It might not be easy. We might even end up conceding defeat. But we have to at least try. It could be the switch that completes our attack and sends the message to our rivals that we mean business. This is an RvP moment. We need to grab it with both hands.
Scott Eckersley
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different league, same rivalries
As the men face the Manchester derby, the women have an even bigger rivalry to deal with
Battles in two of the fiercest rivalries in football will take place this coming weekend. First Manchester United men will take on City at home in the Manchester derby on Saturday before Manchester United Women host Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday. It is a massive weekend for the club as two of the biggest fixtures in football history take place less than 24 hours apart.
Currently the atmosphere at Manchester United Women’s games is very different than at the men’s games and that’s purely down to fewer people to make a noise and slightly politer chants. However, the Reds still have the best support in the WSL and are known for their noise and banter. In terms of how big this fixture is compared to United men vs Liverpool, the passion is still just as strong. Many fans who attend the women’s match are red through and through and, like me, attend both team’s fixtures when possible. So we’ve grown up with this hatred of the Scousers and though our team may have come late to the party when it comes to women’s football, those feelings have followed us to Leigh.
Liverpool women however have found themselves in the Championship in recent years and currently sit 9th in the league with just 8 points whilst United are in 3rd on 22 points. So, it’s fair to say we are not challenging each other for our place in the league right now. This doesn’t lessen the feeling within the two squads though, as Liverpool tend to up their game against us, so United will have a fight on their hands despite having slightly more quality in the squad than the Merseyside Reds.
United have opened up the terrace for this fixture in anticipation of a record-breaking crowd at Leigh Sports Village, which again tells you how fierce this showdown is even in the women’s game. Many United fans will be stoked up after hopefully watching Ten Hag’s men demolish the blue side of Manchester and will be keen to watch another dominant performance from the women.
Hopefully, with more people expected through the turnstiles on Sunday than in previous seasons, the energy often felt at Old Trafford will be replicated at Leigh with the fans acting as a twelfth man for the Reds, helping them to get the edge over their bitter rivals. It could be quite the weekend for the club if both teams can take something away from these fixtures!
Alessia Russo and Ella Toone have been in fine form for the Reds so far this season so if they’re both in the starting line-up, I’m confident we’ll see some great link up play which will be the main threat to Liverpool. We also shouldn’t discount Leah Galton, who has scored a few good goals so far this season and Ona Batlle, who’s been solid at the back the last few seasons has also been providing a threat going forward too this season. We could also see the return of Aoife Mannion this weekend, who has been sidelined for months due to an ACL injury. She returned in the winter break, starting the friendly against Maltese side Birkirkara FC. At the start of last season she was one of United’s strongest players so it’ll be great to see her return in the WSL.
Zoe Hodges
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Who is this disguised as Fred the Red, getting a hug from Luke Chadwick? Click the button to reveal the right answer.
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1. Appointed United manager in 1972
2. Appointed United manager in 2014
3. Appointed United manager in 1986
4. Appointed United manager in 1903
5. Appointed United manager in 1981
6. Appointed United manager in 2016
7. Appointed United manager in 1945 and 1970
8. Appointed caretaker United manager in 2014
9. Appointed caretaker United manager in 2021
10. Appointed United manager in 1977
11. Appointed interim United manager in 2021
12. Appointed United caretaker manager in 1958
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Matchday Quiz 31 – Man City
These 10 questions are about United's history with City. See how many you can get!
HERO to ZERO
Who are we raving about this week?
Hero
facundo pellistri
Pellistri finally got his debut after waiting 2½ years since signing from Peñarol. In that 10 minutes, he build a superb case for being bumped up the pecking order, providing 2 assists and making a crucial defensive intervention.
ZERO
harry maguire
OK Elanga was bad against Charlton but he’s a youngster. What was Maguire’s excuse? Terrible passing, a horrible upfield lunge that set the Addicks on a 3-against-2 counter attack … if he looks dodgy against League 1 opposition, there’s a problem.
