Manchester United vs Manchester City preview: Derby day could prove crucial for title aspirations of both clubs
A look ahead to the Premier League match at Old Trafford
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s a big game for…
Wayne Rooney: The England striker answered his critics with a well taken goal against Everton last weekend but needs to build on this performance if he is to convince sceptics he can still play as a striker at the highest level. A goal against United’s local rivals would certainly restore some confidence.
Best stat…
5
The number of years since a Manchester derby ended in a draw. Each of their last 12 encounters has seen a victor, with at least three goals scored in nine of those games.
Remember when…
Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal with a stunning overhead kick as Manchester United ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford in 2011. A relatively tame affair looked set to end in a draw before Rooney, with ten minutes on the clock, produced a memorable goal to end City’s hopes of a title challenge.
Player to watch…
Kevin De Bruyne: The £55 million playmaker has scored or assisted goals in seven of his last eight games. De Bruyne has swapped positions with Raheem Sterling in Man City’s last two matches, and the two are beginning to build an interesting relationship on the left.
Past three-meetings…
Manchester United 4 (Young, Fellaini, Mata, Smalling) Manchester City 2 (Aguero 2)
Premier League, April 2015
Manchester City 1 (Aguero) Manchester United 0
Premier League, November 2014
Manchester United 0 Manchester City 3 (Dzeko 2, Toure)
Premier League, March 2014
Form guide…
Manchester United: WWWLWD
Manchester City: WLWWWW
Vital information…
Kick-off: 2:05pm, Sunday 25 October
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1, highlights on Match of the Day, BBC1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments