Focus on numbers as City take on rising United in Manchester derby
CRUNCH GAME Mourinho’s side is unbeaten in 23 games while Guardiola’s is down after the FA Cup loss to Arsenal
MANCHESTER - If the first Manchester derby of the season was dominated by the focus on a fascinating coaching rivalry, Thursday’s encounter is strictly business. This time, few care about the Pep Guardiola-Jose Mourinho head-to-head records.
The stakes are high - City are fourth in the Premier League, just a point ahead of United after the same number of games. Both clubs are desperate to ensure a top-four finish and Champions League football next season and the clash at the Etihad Stadium will be decisive in that context.
Still, given their stature in the game, it is impossible for the two coaches to be completely out of the picture. Guardiola’s first campaign at Manchester City risks ending in the worst league finish for the club in seven seasons. City haven’t ended out of the top four since coming fifth in 2011 under Roberto Mancini.
Sunday’s extra-time defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final saw the last chance of silverware disappear after City’s loss to Monaco in the Champions League last 16.
Former Barca and Bayern Munich coach Guardiola has never had a trophy-less season as coach. While City’s hierarchy will write this year off as a transitional phase, there will be surprise he has achieved less than predecessor Manuel Pellegrini.
United, who lost 2-1 in the first league meeting with City, have progressed under Mourinho. They have already lifted the League Cup and are 23 league games unbeaten while having a chance of more silverware - and a Champions League place through the Europa League where they face Celta Vigo in the semi-finals.
United have lost top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and key defender Marcos Rojo to longterm knee injuries, but there is real optimism at Old Trafford.