The 191st Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City takes place at Old Trafford on Super Sunday. Be sure to watch the action live on Sky Sports at an earlier than usual kickoff time of 3.30 p.m.
Casemiro is in a “race against the clock,” according to Ten Hag, to make this weekend’s Manchester derby, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League.
This Sunday afternoon, as treble winners Manchester City attempt to snap the Red Devils’ convincing three-game winning streak in all competitions, all eyes will be on Old Trafford.
In order to defeat Pep Guardiola’s team, United must put on a far better show than they did in their victories over Brentford, Sheffield United, and Copenhagen.
The midfield battle looks key and Ten Hag says his side may be missing Casemiro for a third straight game, with an ankle injury sustained on Brazil duty putting his place in jeopardy.
“Aaron [Wan-Bissaka is back] in training today [Friday] and Case is a race against the clock,” Ten Hag said. “No, not 100 per cent.” Casemiro had trained ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Copenhagen – a group match he was unable to play in due to suspension.
In a tight 1-0 victory over the Danish champions, the Red Devils were forced to exert themselves, as Andre Onana’s stoppage-time penalty save saw the under-pressure goalkeeper surrounded by teammates.
Additionally, Sunday’s match could define United’s attitude at a crucial juncture in the campaign.
“Definitely you see we are back where we wanted to be in that this is a hard team to beat,” Ten Hag stated. “We’re headed in the right direction because they manage to prevail.
“In my opinion, this derby is better than many others. The reason it’s so big is that it’s Manchester-based.
“However, I believe it’s also about world football, as everyone will be watching this match worldwide.
“We need to catch up because they are six points ahead of us and we are six points behind. We must make advancements because we are aware that we must advance the team.
Guardiola made a point of saying that the two banned supporters “don’t represent us” and distanced City from them after they made offensive chants after Sir Bobby Charlton passed away.
Soon after the legendary United player’s passing was made public, footage of two minors chanting about Charlton during City’s game against Brighton last weekend surfaced on social media.
In response, City swiftly denounced the chants as “vile” ahead of Sunday’s derby, in which United will honor Charlton with a minute of applause prior to kickoff.
Guardiola, who denounced the actions of the two supporters who have been barred from all City games, is optimistic that the visiting supporters will behave with civility.
“They don’t speak for us,” stated Guardiola. Alcohol has negative effects on people. Mike Summerbee, our city ambassador, signed the book of condolence for Charlton at Old Trafford on our behalf.
“We hold Manchester United in the highest regard, particularly in light of Sir Bobby Charlton’s legendary status. We shall participate in the expressions of sympathy for Man United and English football.”
In advance of Sunday’s derby against Manchester City, which kicks off at 3.30 p.m. on Sky Sports, Paul Merson says Manchester United is a better team when Harry Maguire plays.
Tuesday saw Maguire continue his comeback at Manchester United as the England defender turned out to be Erik ten Hag’s Champions League matchwinner, heading home a crucial 1-0 victory over Copenhagen at Old Trafford.
It came after he provided the game-winning assist in the final seconds against Brentford and a player-of-the-match display at Sheffield United the previous weekend, as Maguire continues to rebuild his reputation with United after it seemed like his time at Old Trafford was over in the summer.
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