The Hard Tackle looks at three key players to watch out for in the Manchester United v Manchester City match.
The second half of the 2022/23 Premier League season has begun, with Aston Villa beating Leeds United on Friday. And Saturday’s action kicks off with the highly-anticipated Manchester Derby with Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Manchester City’s defense of the Premier League title has not gone well. The Citizens have dropped points in five of their 17 outings so far, which is uncharacteristic for a Pep Guardiola team. And Manchester City prepared for the match against Manchester United in the worst possible way, losing to Southampton in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
On the other hand, Manchester United’s fortunes have improved dramatically in recent months. The Red Devils started the campaign with back-to-back defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. But no other team has taken more points than Erik ten Hag’s side since taking on Liverpool in August.
The contrast of shapes creates an intriguing Manchester derby. While Manchester City will remain favorites to win the game, Manchester United will be well placed to take all three points. And ahead of the mouth-watering clash at Old Trafford, The Hard Tackle lists three key players for the game.
Marcus Rashford
Will Rashford deliver the goods again for Manchester United? (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Our first pick is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League right now. Let’s talk about Marcus Rashford, who has become a talismanic figure for Manchester United in the 2022/23 season.
The England international had seen his stock drop considerably after an underwhelming 2021/22 campaign. But Rashford is seemingly making up for lost time this term, enjoying arguably the most prolific season of his professional career.
The 25-year-old was Manchester United’s Player of the Month for December. And he recently equaled Wayne Rooney’s record for scoring in eight consecutive games at Old Trafford. Rashford has since spoken of his admiration for Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer. And he will have done a fabulous job if he emulates Rooney in Saturday’s Manchester Derby.
Pep Guardiola needs to come up with a plan with Rashford in mind. And the Manchester United striker can potentially overcome Manchester City’s challenge if the visitors fail to stay on their toes throughout the game.
Bernard Silva
Bernardo Silva usually reserves his best for the most important matches. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
The next player on our list is Manchester City’s big-time man. We are talking about Bernardo Silva, who, more often than not, delivers the goods in the most difficult situations for the reigning Premier League champions.
The 28-year-old has arguably been Manchester City’s best player since expressing his desire to leave in the summer transfer window of 2021. And it’s no surprise that high-profile clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in him.
In terms of matters on the pitch, Silva could start as a no. 8, although Pep Guardiola tends to prefer him on the right wing in the most important matches. The Portuguese international will have the best vantage point to pick apart Manchester United’s defense in the midfield role.
At the same time, Silva’s revered work rate should be surpassed, especially with Casemiro on the move of late. Thus, the 28-year-old will offer a double solution to face Manchester United in both phases of the game. A big game attracts the former AS Monaco man, who could play his last Manchester derby amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Lisandro Martinez
👊🏼🗞 Lisandro Martínez: “Yes, of course. It would be lovely to be able to enjoy it. But it’s a derby and you always have to try to win these games.” [ICS] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ITN99IiEbO
— United Radar (@UnitedRadar) January 12, 2023
While Erling Haaland will invariably be the man in the spotlight on Saturday, we’ve picked the player who will have to do his best to keep the Norwegian striker quiet. We are talking, of course, about the great Lisandro Martínez.
The Argentine international has taken to the Premier League like a fish to water. This despite a number of detractors being the detractors from his early days with Manchester United. But Martinez has shown that size doesn’t matter if a player has his basics right.
The 24-year-old defends on the front foot, which should be useful in neutralizing Haaland’s qualities. The Norwegian striker is used to getting past strikers with his explosive runs. But with the possibility that Martínez will mark Haaland exclusively, the young striker will have to go to the reserves to leave his mark.
Haaland had it easy in the reverse fixture at the Etihad a few months ago, when Manchester City demolished Manchester United. But Martinez will be on hand to ensure the 22-year-old does not have another pitch at the expense of the Red Devils. And the locals could get all three points if the Argentine defender is at his best.