The two Manchester clubs have started the season in very similar fashion, with both teams winning all but one of their encounters. Manchester United and Manchester City are now distanced only by goal difference for first place in the English Premier League.
So who can we expect to gain the ultimate edge in the league title race?
By Eduard Banulescu
Before we examine what sets the two Manchester teams apart, let’s look at what makes them so similar?
– They’ve both invested huge amounts in transfers. This is especially true since the arrival of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Seen as somewhat of a disappointment in their first year on the job, the two managers used the club’s tremendous resources to build the kind of team they were dreaming off when first arriving in England.
Considering the recent results, the investments seem to be paying off.
-Both United and City have done their best to significantly improve deficiencies from last season. United have a much better attack this year through the arrival of Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial returning to form
Man City is a much more disciplined team defensively this season.
– Both teams failed to meet the expectations of last season and there is a good degree of pressure to succeed this season, especially considering the managers’ impressive track records.
– Both City and United have something to prove as they hunger for important trophies. City has yet to establish itself in European competitions, while United has had a drought since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
– They are both represented by one of the most recently successful managers in European competitions. Both managers are now looking to build a legacy in Manchester.
– City and United, as far as we have been able to see thus far, are England’s biggest hopes for the European competitions. Both have done very well so far, have good squad depth and are eager to try and win multiple trophies this season.
– Both managers could lose their jobs, should results inevitably remain at the level they were last season.
We’ve taken a look at the similarities, but what sets the teams apart?
– When it comes to tactics, it feels like Jose Mourinho has adapted to the Premier League and what it takes to win there. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola has opted to bring in his similar tactics to the ones used successfully at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and adapted them to the EPL.
Guardiola had many criticizing this approach, but so far this season it’s all been working out.
– Manchester United have great squad depth this season. Mourinho is trying to make sure they are not faced with the same problems of last year†when the team struggled to be competitive across numerous competitions after several injuries and suspensions hit the squad.
– City may not have the same squad depth, but they might have the bigger stars, at least when it comes to consistent success in the Premier League.
– The teams are tied in first place with nearly identical results, but City may have had the tougher fixtures so far. City dismantled Liverpool, a title challenger, while United has yet to play a derby against any of the other “big six.”
– Mourinho seems happy with the team’s results and this can only rub off on the attitude of his players. Guardiola is constantly talking about the fact that the players need to improve. It’s a surprising statement given the team’s form, but it can only help demand more of his roster.
– Both teams have had significant players facing injury concerns recently. Marouane Fellaini, a clear starting player for United, had been injured and it affected Mourinho’s selection issues. Sergio Aguero’s recent injury in a car crash will likely have much more significance on his team’s fortunes.
– Mourinho seems to have his hands full repairing the damage inflicted on the club by the previous managers. Guardiola has inherited a rather stable City side, falling off the pace of their best years and anxious to get back on track and improve.
– Jose Mourinho is known to be the better motivator. At his best, he has managed to create long-lasting ties with his players who have been glad to offer the level of commitment the manager demanded. Guardiola is also known to get along well with his players, but he is not above turning away one of the team’s best-known members (see Joe Hart) to adapt the team’s style to his vision.
– Overall, United has more experience at winning trophies. Not in recent years, of course, but the club’s winning culture could ultimately prove an asset.
It’s difficult to predict how the team’s results will evolve throughout a long season, but at the moment Manchester City are the current favorites.
Eduard Banulescu is a European football fan, writer and musician. He contributes music, sports and cryptocurrency articles on www.footballcoin.io and www.alt77.com. He hopes you enjoy the quality of his articles here at The Sports Bank.