Manchester United will enter Sunday’s derby against Manchester City with a sense of optimism given their recent form.
The visitors have claimed maximum points in their last four league games and have kept three clean sheets away from home across all competitions. It has marked an incredible turnaround following the humiliations at home to Brighton and away at Brentford.
The United squad have clearly heeded the advice given by Erik ten Hag in the weeks since, earning wins over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and table-toppers Arsenal. The 3-1 win over the Gunners was particularly pleasing in many senses.
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One of the most encouraging aspects of the triumph was the fact that the team fulfilled a target Ten Hag had set them after the 1-0 win over Leicester three days prior.
“We have to be more [ruthless]. There is room for improvement,” Ten Hag had said post-match. This was echoed by Christian Eriksen, who added: “I think we should have [killed the game], it was similar to Southampton. We did very well until we scored.”
United are likely to see little of the ball against City at the Etihad this weekend, which may suit Ten Hag’s counter-attacking style of play he has implemented after the poor start to the season.
But this will be given the ultimate test against the champions for many reasons, not least that it will be the first time he will have faced a top six side away from home. City love to starve their opponents of possession, meaning United will need to be ruthless, as Ten Hag demanded, if they're to take anything away from the clash.
Ten Hag also said after the Leicester win: “The XI on the pitch defend and attack together. You can see what we can achieve. The defensive skill is the base for winning games. It makes you hard to beat.”
When United do get opportunities in the attacking third, they must take them and be ruthless. They proved they have the capability to do so against Arsenal but doing it on the road against a big-hitter would send out a strong message to United’s top four rivals.
In fact, they may have no choice but to show their clinical nature against City if they are to record a result. The return of the in-form Marcus Rashford, who has scored three goals in his last four games, will be a major boost to Ten Hag.
Anthony Martial is also in contention and, of course, the lethal Cristiano Ronaldo remains an option. The attacking trio could play an important part in the game and can show their new boss that they can still hold their nerve when it matters most.
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