Records at stake in epic Manchester derby
Historic records set to be broken if either team wins
Manchester – There have been few Manchester derbies with as much on the line as Sunday’s meeting at Old Trafford of the top two teams in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s City have built an eight-point lead following an unbeaten start to the season that has included 13 straight victories – equalling the record for the longest winning run in a single Premier League campaign.
Not to be completely outdone, however, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have equalled a historic club record by remaining unbeaten at Old Trafford for 40 matches in all competitions.
The last team to beat United at home were City in September 2016, and a repeat performance would leave the club, once derided as “noisy neighbours” by former United boss Alex Ferguson, 11 points clear at the summit.
City have been playing some exhilarating football this campaign with coach Guardiola’s style of play, which served him so well at his previous clubs, bringing the expected rewards after a disappointing lack of consistency last season.
Despite United having suffered two defeats on the road – to Huddersfield Town and Chelsea – they too have looked like champions at home.
This term’s Premier League record at Old Trafford reads: played seven, won seven – 20 goals for, against just one.
Mourinho, however, will be without his key French midfielder Paul Pogba, who starts a three-match ban. –
‘ ‘ Last team to beat United at home were City in 2016