Manchester United have a big test straight out of the international break as they will have to take on Manchester City away from home. It is safe to say that while the Red Devils have already beaten table toppers Arsenal, this will be Erik ten Hag’s first elite test in England, especially since Liverpool are going through a terrible campaign at the moment.
If Manchester United are able to beat Manchester City in their own backyard, then it might be time to start considering Ten Hag’s side as title contenders. If not, then it would be clear that there is work still to be done although the manner of defeat would determine how much.
Manchester City have been handed a blow ahead of the derby clash vs Manchester United though, in what could be a major problem for Pep Guardiola at the weekend.
John Stones pulled up in the 37th minute of England’s 3-3 draw against Germany and was forced off the pitch. And Gareth Southgate appeared to confirm that it was a hamstring injury. As reported by Manchester Evening News, the England national team boss said regarding the matter:
"“John is feeling something with his hamstring.”"
Manchester City suffer injury blow ahead of Derby against Manchester United
Stones has been a regular for Manchester City this season and as a result, if he ends up missing the derby, it will be a blow for them without a shadow of a doubt.
While the extent of the injury is not clear yet, it feels unlikely that Stones would be able to recover from a hamstring issue that quickly and even if it was touch and go, it is unlikely that Guardiola would risk further injury by playing him.
Thus, unless something unexpected happens, Manchester City will line up against Manchester United this Sunday without Stones. Let’s see if the Red Devils are able to take advantage.