Manchester United have gotten two positive results in back-to-back games. Their 3-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur must have been a huge relief for the club as well as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. And then, the 2-2 draw against Atalanta put them in a very strong position in their Champions League group. The upcoming game against Manchester City could prove to be one of the toughest tests of the Red Devils’ season.
Nobody will have forgotten what happened when Manchester United met Liverpool the last time around, a couple of weeks ago. And Manchester City are a team who have similar quality.
Thus, the Red Devils need to be careful going into the Manchester Derby. Fortunately, the Norwegian’s record against Pep Guardiola is very good. According to Sky Sports, Solskjaer has a win percentage of 50 per cent against the Spaniard. That’s very impressive.
Manchester United have a lot of injuries to be worried about going into the game as well. The biggest is certainly the one of Raphael Varane, who is expected to be out for around a month. This makes the situation of Victor Lindelof even more important.
Solskjaer hints at major Manchester United injury boost
As reported by Manchester United’s official website, Solskjaer seemed optimistic about Lindelof’s situation:
"“He’s still a doubt but, hopefully, he can come in tomorrow and say he’s ready.“I expect him to be ready tomorrow but I can’t confirm.”"
Lindelof had picked up a knock recently and as a result, ended up missing the game against Atalanta. But if Manchester United are to keep playing with three at the back, his availability will be very vital, with Varane out of action for the foreseeable future.
Lindelof has played quite a bit of football recently but the partnership of just him and Harry Maguire at the back has not quite worked out. Thus, sticking with three at the back might be what Solskjaer should do, especially when facing a team like Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side lost their recent Premier League game against Crystal Palace and will want a win even more. On the other hand, a win for Manchester United would see them sit on equal points with Manchester City, despite the Red Devils’ disappointing start to the season.