The Manchester derby always delivers drama, and this weekend promises more of the same. Manchester United travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City in what feels like an early test for both teams.
City have stumbled with two straight defeats, while United have shown grit but not much fluency. With both sides still trying to find their rhythm, the stage is set for a tense clash.
Roy Keane, never one to sit quietly on the sidelines, has already shared his verdict. The former United captain thinks his old club can avoid defeat against their neighbors.
On Stick to Football, Keane first went bold with a 2-2 call before settling on 1-1. For a player who once thrived in derby battles, backing United for a draw is still quite the surprise.
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Clash of predictions for Manchester derby
Not everyone on the panel agreed with Keane. Jamie Carragher expects City to flex their muscles, predicting a 3-1 win.
Arsenal great Ian Wright went the other way, saying United could nick the victory. Gary Neville added humor to the debate, saying, “We’re daft enough to win.”
For United boss Ruben Amorim, this game carries added weight. His team edged Burnley before the break, but pressure lingers after mixed early results.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola is under his own spotlight. Two defeats have raised questions, especially after a summer of heavy investment. Both managers badly need momentum, and the derby is no place to hide.
The Etihad has been a fortress for City, but United did pull off a comeback there last season. Bruno Fernandes and Amad struck late to turn the game on its head.
Fans on both sides will remember that as proof nothing is settled until the final whistle.
This derby may not decide trophies, but it could shape seasons. Keane’s call for a draw might sound cautious, yet in a city divided by football, even one point can feel like a victory.
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