The Manchester Derby: A Tactical Analysis

The Manchester derby wasn’t just a game between the clubs that occupy the first two spots in the Premier League, nor was it a match between the two richest clubs in England, but it was, well and truly, the umpteenth tactical battle between Josè Mourinho and Pep Guardiola - two of the most successful managers in recent years and notorious rivals, their rivalry ascribable to their opposite football philosophies and beliefs – at yet again, one of the theatres of football: Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

Lineups The starting line-ups didn’t provide any particular surprises, other than Gabriel Jesus’ or Sterling’s - subject addressed in detail later on -selection in preference to Man City’s all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero.

Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson, Walker, Kompany, Otamendi, Delph; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Silva; Sanè, Sterling, Jesus.

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Young; Martial, Herrera, Matic, Rashford; Lingard, Lukaku.