Everything to know about the 2020 Manchester Derby

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Everything to know about the 2020 Manchester Derby

The best rivalry in the Premier League is back when Manchester United host Manchester City in the first of two meetings this season.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen classic matches between these two clubs. Since the historic finish in 2012 between these two clubs, Manchester City has posted a 10-6-2 record against their rivals. But, it’s been United who’s won the last two league matches between the sides, including a 2-1 victory at City’s Etihad Stadium last season.

Here are three storylines to look at for…

1. What form will we see from Manchester United?

Domestically, Manchester United have been playing very good soccer as of late. The club has won four straight Premier League matches; their last league defeat came on Nov. 1 against Arsenal.

However, the pressure is on manager Ole Gunner Solskjær. A 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig on Matchday 5 of 6 eliminated them from Champions League contention. United will now drop into the ongoing Europa League, the second-tier European club tournament, which is something no supporter of the club ever wants to see. The club is far too big to be ok with that development. 

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2. Keep an eye on Paul Pogba.

Earlier week, the French midfielder’s agent sparked controversy when he stated that Pogba wants out of Manchester United. Pogba, a good friend of former Washington Football Team cornerback Josh Norman, is under contract until the summer of 2022. That’s a long time if the two sides are unhappy with each other. 

Pogba’s agent didn’t stop there, though. Not only did he say that his client wants out, but said that he advises Manchester United to sell the midfielder during the next transfer window in January. That’s a lot to unpack.

Coincidental or not, Pogba started on the bench during United’s Champions League match on Tuesday against Leipzig and was not subbed on until the Red Devils were down 3-0. After coming on, Pogba would find the back of the net with a header and almost tied the game up late. He also scored last weekend in a Premier League game against West Ham. Certainly seems like a player intent on attracting the attention of clubs in France, Italy and Spain. 

3. Jump to the top four?

Although it’s just Matchday 11 in the Premier League for both clubs, a victory on Saturday would go a long way for each squad.

Manchester City enters Saturday’s match currently seventh in the Premier League table with 18 points. That’s below expectations for such a talented team, though it is rounding into form after a 2-0 win last weekend vs. Fulham. United is one spot ahead of them with 19 points. All six clubs ahead of both teams have played 11 matches this season – one more than either United or City, who started the season a little late. 

A win for either club would propel them into fourth on the table, jumping both Leicester City (21 points) and Southampton (20 points). Should United win, they would have the goal differential tiebreaker Leicester.

The Premier League season is barley over a quarter of the way through, but Derby matches always mean a little bit more, regardless of the time of year. Saturday should be another classic between the two clubs and is a match that could go either direction.

The best rivalry in the Premier League is back when Manchester United host Manchester City in the first of two meetings this season.