Manchester United collide with Manchester City in the Manchester Derby on Sunday (December 15) and its set to be one of the most interesting clashes in years. Both clubs are struggling this season, with the Red Devils making their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
City have been shockingly poor under Pep Guardiola this term, winning just one of their last ten games across competitions. It's a worrying period for the Cityzens who were expected to make it five title wins out of five but look set to lose their crown.
Manchester United bounced back from defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest midweek. They came from behind to beat Czechia outfit Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund's brilliant brace. Many expect the Danish striker to start at the Etihad but Paul Merson thinks otherwise.
Paul Merson tells Ruben Amorim to start pacey Manchester United trio
Manchester City suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Juventus in the Champions League a day before United's win. Guardiola's defense has been the most vulnerable its ever been since he took over at the Etihad eight years ago.
Merson, who won two Premier League titles with Arsenal, thinks City's defense can be exposed if Amorim starts a pacey front three. He told Sportskeeda:
“If Ruben Amorim wants to win this game, he must opt for a front three with the likes of Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho. Everybody is exposing City through counter-attacks, and this trio can hurt them with their pace."
Rashford recieved criticsm for his performance midweek while Amad shined and Garnacho came off the bench and performed well. The trio could interchange up top and give the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias issues.
Merson added:
“If United can hurt City with pace, they have a chance in this game. They must not sit back and go into a shell while trying to defend all the time. They must take the game to their rivals."
Red Devils Dispatch Verdict
This may feel harsh on Hojlund who was excellent after coming off the bench against Plzen. He's in fine form under Amorim, posting five goals in as many games. But making the most of City's stuttering defense could mean he settles for a place on the bench.
The one player who there are major question marks over at the moment is Rashford. He's been linked with a departure amid haphazard performances this season. Hojlund could keep him out of the team and many forget that the Denmark international possesses pace and not just a tall frame to hold the ball up.