This coming Monday the 8th April will see ManUnited face ManCity in the Manchester Derby once more at Old Trafford, with City trying to reverse their earlier last gasp 3-2 home defeat to United back in December.
For years Manchester United have been the top team in Manchester, but ever since the wealthy ‘Abu Dhabi Group’s’ takeover of Manchester City in 2008, the blues have been growing and now challenge the red half for trophies in the Premier League. This culminated in Manchester City’s first Premier League Championship win last season, with two late goals against Queens Park Rangers on the last day of the season dramatically snatching the Title from their rivals.
The reds also have a mammoth fifteen point lead over their blues at the top of the Premier League table, so City will be desperate for a victory. Manchester United have been utterly ruthless in pursuit of reclaiming the Premier League Title, as was demonstrated by the marquee signing of Dutch striker Robin Van Persie, whose goals throughout the season have been crucial in gaining their lead at the summit of the table.
The reds have only lost three games so far this season, with their neighbours tasting defeat in four, but it has been the eight draws for the blues that has ensured the difference in points between the two clubs. Manchester United scored late to inflict a 3-2 defeat on City earlier this season, but the reds will want to banish the memory of the last time they met at Old Trafford, when the blues inflicted United’s biggest home defeat since 1955, by a score line of six goals to one.
Mario Balotelli was one of the heroes that day with two goals, he has since gone back to Italy, but ManCity can still call upon Spain playmaker David Silva, Argentine striker Sergio Aguerro and inspiration captain Vincent Kompany. Their neighbours have the brilliant Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and the ageless Ryan Giggs to try and extend their lead with a win on Monday, thus surely regaining the Premier League Title.
There have been some memorable derby clashes over the years, as who could forget Manchester United Legend Dennis Law’s back heeled goal for the blues relegating his former club in 1974, or an Eric Cantona inspired 5-0 Manchester United win twenty years later, another gripping contest will take place this Monday.
