As Robin Van Persie’s late equaliser secured a well-deserved point for the reds and sent the crowd delirious, a feeling returned to Old Trafford that the United of old were back and it couldn’t have been represented more in a big game clash when United never gave up. However, it is all fine and well to claim United are back but arguably their toughest clash of the season awaits and this one means more.
For City, last weekend was a nightmare, what was an expectant three points turned into a defensive catastrophe and with unconvincing abject displays of late & on the verge of being knocked out in the Champions league at the first stage for Pellegrini, it won’t be long before questions are asked.
If Chelsea had walked away from Old Trafford with 3 points, an abject performance from the reds not too much would have been noted. This was top of the league Chelsea, but be humiliated by “Noisy-Neighbours” City once more especially in their current run of form then it could be curtains for United’s season.
City offer a more threatening presence this weekend with an on fire and fit Aguero, David Silva reaching his best and with no one really with any presence in the United midfield, Yaya Toure could run riot. Combine all this and playing away at the Etihad spells danger for United and their new look defence who last week showed quality, but still showed lapses in concentration. This week they are going to be busy and up against World Class striker and not an ageing Didier Drogba.
However, it hasn’t been all rosy for City a poor start and dropped point has seen them fall well adrift from Chelsea in the early stages of the season and anymore dropped points may see the title wrapped up sooner than anyone may have imagined. Going forward for the blues has not been a problem but defensively Mangala has failed to fit in and Captain & Leader Vincent Kompany hasn’t been much help either. The task of facing United’s new look attack is not a promising one.
Both sides will be looking to their attack to secure any sort of victory, however the Champions maybe favourites going into this one, United have the edge having secured a big lift last weekend. Both teams need this result for different reasons to kick start their retrospective seasons.
United need to keep their momentum and City can ill afford to drop anymore points to the early leaders Chelsea, who look like they are running away with it. The Manchester Derby has never been so crucial.
