Manchester United is eager to achieve a rare victory against Manchester City in their upcoming derby.
Both managers, Ruben Amorim of Man Utd and Pep Guardiola of Man City, face crucial decisions as their seasons haven`t unfolded as expected.
While City, typically dominant, are fighting for a top-four position, United are enduring one of their most challenging seasons.
This contrast is stark compared to the 2011-12 season when both Manchester clubs competed for the title until the last moment, culminating in Sergio Aguero`s dramatic goal that secured City`s first Premier League title on goal difference.
This derby is set to be different, yet equally significant for both teams.
In a football tactics analysis, expert Dean Scoggins examines the critical factors for this derby game.
Why Garnacho`s Left-Wing Position is Questioned
Alejandro Garnacho`s performance on the left wing is a point of frustration for United fans. Despite getting into promising positions, his play often leads to congested attacks.
United has improved defensively and in moving the ball into midfield, but struggles to effectively transition into attack.
Garnacho often receives the ball in wide areas, but upon receiving it, he is immediately confronted by a defender.
His tendency to cut inside often draws multiple defenders and midfielders, leading to crowded attacking situations.
In the game against Nottingham Forest, who defended deeply, Garnacho took several long-range shots, none of which were clear chances due to the crowded defense.
Additionally, when Garnacho moves inside, his wing-back, Patrick Dorgu, makes overlapping runs, but Garnacho frequently doesn`t pass to him, frustrating fans.
Giving the ball to Dorgu for overlaps would create space for crosses and attacking opportunities.
In previous matches, like against Arsenal, Garnacho was more effective on the right when he had a fullback, Noussair Mazraoui, making inside runs.
Despite fan frustrations when Garnacho plays, his ability to take on defenders is crucial for United`s attack.
The current tactical setup under Amorim relies on players attacking defenders, and Garnacho is one of the few United players who can do this effectively.
Switching Garnacho to the right might improve the team`s dynamics, as his chemistry with Dorgu on the left isn`t yet effective.
Garnacho should remain in the team to provide an outlet against Man City`s pressure.
Can United Succeed Against City with Less Possession?
In their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United had almost 70% possession.
However, against Manchester City earlier this season, City dominated possession, yet United were comfortable playing without the ball.
United`s current defensive setup allows them to effectively absorb pressure and launch counter-attacks.
This strategy is less effective against teams like Nottingham Forest who defend very deep, but it could be suitable against City, who will likely control possession.
City is expected to attack in a 2-3-5 or 3-2-5 formation, and United`s defense will likely adopt a man-marking approach.
The key for United will be to win the ball and initiate quick counter-attacks.
United will likely be content to concede possession, similar to their approach in matches against Arsenal, Liverpool, and previously against Manchester City.
Playing at Old Trafford might bring pressure from fans to play more attacking football, especially in a derby.
The transition from defense to attack is a crucial area for improvement.
Creating triangles on the flanks to effectively move the ball to wingers for 1v1 situations will be key to their attacking plan.
Executing this plan against City remains the challenge.
Is Marmoush a Better Choice Against United Than Haaland?
Choosing between any player and Erling Haaland is challenging, but there are tactical considerations.
Manchester City sometimes struggle to penetrate defenses when teams sit deep, and Haaland can become isolated in these situations.
While Haaland`s presence occupies defenders and is crucial for crosses, City`s 2-0 win against Leicester, without Haaland, showcased a dynamic front three of Omar Marmoush, Doku, and Savinho.
Earlier in the season, Marmoush scored a hat-trick against Newcastle playing alongside Haaland in a front two. However, this formation is unlikely to work against United`s expected back five.
If Haaland plays, United will likely defend deep with a back five, potentially leading to a congested attack for City.
With Haaland, City`s attack might become predictable, with defenders focusing on him, leading to fewer line-breaking passes and more sideways play.
Against United, City might opt for a fluid front three of Foden, Marmoush, and De Bruyne, with wide players like Savinho, Doku, or Grealish providing width.
This narrow front three could exploit spaces around the box, and Marmoush offers more movement and rotation compared to Haaland, who tends to remain central.
Marmoush`s higher touches per game this season suggest he might be more involved in unlocking defenses when the opposition `parks the bus`.
De Bruyne vs. Fernandes: Key Midfield Battle
The duel between Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes, the captains and key players of their respective teams, will be fascinating.
If Garnacho plays on the right and Fernandes as an attacking midfielder, De Bruyne might operate in the right inside channel, aiming to deliver crosses.
Fernandes could be tasked with tracking back to defend against De Bruyne. Forcing Fernandes into defensive duties could benefit City.
However, Fernandes` work rate and late-game attacking contributions are well-known. He frequently influences games in attacking areas in the later stages.
Pep Guardiola might consider substituting De Bruyne later in the game if City is leading, possibly to bring on a player more suited to directly countering Fernandes.
Ultimately, De Bruyne is backed to make a decisive impact, potentially setting up a goal for Marmoush.
