Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants to win the Manchester Derby with his squad’s size advantage
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has a reputation as being one of football’s greatest pragmatists. That’s why no one should be surprised if the Special One turns his back on stylish football in an effort to win the Manchester Derby with the long ball.
United may not have the skill to match their crosstown rivals, but they do have a significant height advantage. As the Telegraph point out, City are likely going to put out a starting XI with only two outfield players over six feet tall. In sharp contrast, United will trot out a group the features five outfield players over that height.
The real issue United hope to exploit is that they have several very tall players. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, and Marouane Fellaini all check in taller than six-foot three. City will face a huge challenge trying to defend them in the air on set pieces in and around the box.
United size advantage certainly could prove decisive, but it’s not as if Pep Guardiola’s squad is helpless to compete against it. Look for City to do their best to keep the ball away from United as much as possible. They’ll simply go out of their way not to commit fouls in dangerous areas.
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Moreover, City firmly believe they have the much quicker of the two squads. Even without the lightning fast Sergio Aguero, City’s front line has enough pace to give United’s back four fits. If any of Mourinho’s defenders end up isolated against the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, David Silva or Kevin de Bruyne, they’re going to be in big trouble.
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The contrast in game plans should lead to an interesting, but disjointed match. It isn’t likely to be the work of art that many pundits are billing it to be. Dare I say, it could even turn out to be one of the weekend’s ugliest Premier League fixtures.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth watching, or even that there won’t be real moments of brilliance in the Derby. Both sides will be hell-bent on securing three points and that always leads to an interesting match.
If Manchester United can keep the ball in the air, look for them to delight the faithful at Old Trafford. If Pep Guardiola’s side makes it a stylish, possession based match, the visitors might just escape with all three points.
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