Manchester United v. Manchester City - Preview

By David Hobbs
September 9 2005

Manchester United play their first 3pm kick-off of the season against their Manchester rivals, who've propelled to the top of the table with a decent run of early form.

Manchester United v. Manchester City
Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford
10th September, 2005
15:00pm KO 

In fact, United actually trail City by just 1 point but have a game in hand over their rivals, managed by rookie Stuart Pearce - who is making an impact in the Premiership.

Pearce has recruited Darius Vassell and former Old Trafford star Andy Cole during the summer and has proven a shrewd piece of business.

The duo will have to get past a solid Edwin van der Sar if City want to beat their bitter rivals as the Dutchman has yet to concede a Premiership goal thus far.

The clash will be the 144th local derby and City have a good recent track record against the Red Devils. City have made their best ever start to a Premiership season.

Sir Alex Ferguson is impressed by young manager Stuart Pearce and thinks his attributes as a player will make him a good manager. ''I think everyone remembers Stuart Pearce as a determined, aggressive player, who played with great heart and enthusiasm that gave him a great career in the game,'' said the Scotsman. 

"I think his team are playing exactly like that, I think his team is mirroring Stuart Pearce as the player he was. People like Stuart Pearce, who go away to prepare themselves and go on courses, are going to have a better chance of making it.''  

Team News: 
United have had many players away on international duty so may be carrying minor injuries after World Cup action for their country. Ryan Giggs played two games on the trot for Wales despite hardly featuring for United this season due to injury and will battle Ji Sung Park for a place in midfield.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be exempt from action after losing his father last week.

Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney are still getting over from Wednesday's loss to Northern Ireland but Sir Alex Ferguson believes that will give the duo a boost to return to their winning ways. "It has been a bad week for Rio and Wayne," he said. "There has to be some motivation for them and in that respect, the derby game will help because it should give them an edge.

City welcome back skipper Sylvain Distin and veteran striker Robbie Fowler from injury.

ManUtdWeb Prediction:
I'm predicting a narrow 1-0 United win. Stuart Pearce has made the City side into a decent outfit over the past few months he's been in charge and will be difficult to break down.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]