THE Manchester derby at Old Trafford tomorrow would have held the prospect of a real cracker between two giants of world football – in times gone by.
These days, it’s just another fixture between two big, rich clubs, with nothing more than a bit of pride on the line: more to do with bragging rights on the corners of one’s turf, you could say.
Even if one of these sides were still in with a shout for the league title, it might have been a game that at least one set of fans could enjoy at full tilt.
Instead, the chances of winning the title have vanished, and in one case, a long time ago.
The home team led by Ruben Amorim are languishing in 13th place, with a goal aggregate of minus four.
Such has been the demise of this once all-conquering outfit that their own fans have dubbed them disgraceful, not to mention part-owner Jim Ratcliffe labelling some of the players as probably overpaid and some not good enough to be in the squad.
For their part, Pep Guardiola’s charges have won the title the last four years in a row – six in the last seven seasons – and something had to give. And it eventually did.
Man City could yet qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four. They’re fifth now, but could nail down a spot for next term.
A win for either side tomorrow would be a big thing, if only because of the financial might they possess.
On the pitch itself, Man United will invariably turn to their Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes to lead by example and maybe weigh in with a goal or two.
The Red Devil’s skipper does appear to be their best player by some way, and in part, that’s because there is indeed, as Ratcliffe alluded to, a dearth of talent at Old Trafford.
If Man United were to single out the greatest threat in tomorrow’s clash, it might well be Omar Marmoush.
The Egyptian striker, who arrived in the January transfer window and has six goals in his last seven games, is an absolute joy to watch.
He could knock over Man United if they took him lightly.
That would be some way to add a bit of spark to an otherwise dull Manchester derby. — By Shaun Orange
