Written by Joe Howarth
On Saturday 12/02/2011 the two Manchester clubs will meet for the 143rd time in the league. Bringing a history between them that should stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of: Real Madrid vs Barcelona and Inter Milan vs A.C Milan. But due to Manchester City’s absenteeism from the football elite for 35 years, this comparison can not be made.
Football though is a game of two halves and, while United have been round Europe more times than a pilot who fly’s for Easyjet, City have been waiting in the wings for their time to shine and give their fans something more than bragging rights: trophies! (it’s been a long wait). With the investment of Sheikh Monsour and tactical decisions of Roberto Mancini, this year could be theirs.
Sir Alex Ferguson will undoubtedly pull out all the stops to win on Saturday, not only because it is the derby and not only because it is the club he has referred to as his “Noisy Neighbours”. But mainly because United need to make a statement to the rest of the league; that even though they lost their last game against Wolves, bringing an astonishing 30 game unbeaten run to an end in the league, they will not fall from that first spot.
While all City fans will dread the sight of Michael Owen on the ball after his goal at O.T last year (final second of play), United fans will hold a similar disdain for the little Argentinean, Carlos Tevez, who has found the most prolific form of his life in the premiership since his move from united 2 seasons ago (50 goals in 80 games). But it is not Owen who City fans should fear, it is the younger, Mexican Owen, Chicharito who they should worry about. ‘Little Pea’ as he is also known has made a promising impact at united since joining in the summer, scoring some crucial goals to seal the all important 3 points.
United have an extremely good win record at O.T against City winning 9 of the last 13 league games, drawing 3 times and losing only once. This time the task will not be so easy, with a depleted defence being their major weakness (Ferdinand injured, Johnny Evans injured and Chris Smalling), in comparison to City’s defence which will be at full strength (although it has looked shaky in the last couple of games). Nevertheless, this game is what neutrals around the world will look forward to watching, seeing football stars of old (Vieira and Giggs) and new (Silva and Chicharito) coming together for one of the biggest clashes this league has to offer.
