EXCITING DERBY? DON'T MANC ON IT

Struggling rivals clash in game neither boss can afford to lose

- BY DAVID McDONNELL

YOU have to go back nearly five years to the last time Manchester United were above local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League heading into the derby.

In December 2020, the two sides played out a drab goalless draw behind closed doors at Old Trafford, with the world still coming to terms with the Covid pandemic.

The stalemate saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United stay seventh, a point and a place above Pep Guardiola’s side, although the Blues would go on to win the title, with the Red Devils finishing second.

What wouldn't both sides give for a return to the form that saw them claim those two positions? Heading into Sunday's derby at the Etihad, City are languishing in 13th place, while United - 15th last season ~ find themselves in the heady heights of ninth.