For the first time in many years, both Man City and Man United are in crisis ahead of a Manchester derby.
The reigning Premier League champions have been in a slump across all competitions this season. This has been the most forgettable period in Pep Guardiola's coaching career. Never before has a Guardiola team looked so lifeless and fragile.
Man City have won just one of their last 10 games, drawing two and losing seven. Rodri's long-term injury has affected the way the entire system operates. The Citizens have become one of the worst defensive teams in the Premier League, conceding 23 goals in their last 10 games.
Guardiola has tried various solutions, including moving Jack Grealish into central midfield, but all have failed. With a squad that includes many players over 30, Man City often run out of steam and concede a series of goals late in the game.
Not as miserable as Man City, but Man United's situation is not much better. Despite winning 3 and losing 2 in the last 5 matches, the "Red Devils" still play very disjointedly.
Man United players have yet to get used to the three-center-back formation of new coach Ruben Amorim. As a result, their defense has been very poor at moving the ball, especially De Ligt. Against opponents who are willing to play high pressing, the "Red Devils" often face many difficulties.
Perhaps, scoring goals is the rare bright spot of Man United at the moment. Although they still make mistakes in the final stages, they have taken advantage of better opportunities. The proof is that Amorim's team has scored 11 goals in the last 5 matches.
In terms of head-to-head record, Man United played well in the last two meetings with Man City. However, those were all cup matches. Before that, the Old Trafford team had suffered three consecutive defeats in the Manchester derby.
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