Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have four wins in their last five games, but now face maybe the most difficult test in football right now.
Next up for Manchester United is the Manchester derby, away at the Etihad Stadium on the other side of Manchester.
Ten Hag’s men will look to hit the ground running in what will be an extremely difficult month of fixtures, with September being quiet due to fixtures being postponed surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the September international break.
Here’s how the two teams have fared in recent weeks:
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Manchester United
Last five results: W, W, W, L, W
Manchester United’s September was affected a fair bit by the Queen’s death, with two of their fixtures being postponed as a result of it. But from the four fixtures they did compete in, three ended in victory.
Two fixtures were played in the league, including the 3-1 win over current league leaders Arsenal, and two in the Europa League, in which United fell victim to their only loss since the disaster opening two games (albeit to a penalty that should not have been given).
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United’s form has been strong, and the Manchester derby is an occasion that means more to players than most other fixtures do.
The fitness of Marcus Rashford is pending, as is that of Anthony Martial, and they are two players who have a strong history in this fixture. Jadon Sancho scored at the Etihad last season too.
Casemiro was part of a Real Madrid side that overcame this opposition in the semi finals of the Champions League last season and could well make his first league start for the club.
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Manchester City
Last five results: W, D, W, W, W
Yep.
Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut Manchester City side have scored 16 goals in their last five fixtures, from which they have four wins, like United.
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The only blemish on this record came in a draw against Aston Villa, that they arguably should have lost with a Coutinho goal being questionably ruled out.
Erling Haaland has scored exactly half of City’s goals in this period of time, and will be the ultimate test for United’s defenders.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, Marcus Rashford, Erling Haaland