The Manchester Derby has always been a fierce rivalry, but it’s become one of the more hotly-contested affairs in the Premier League over the last few years as Manchester City has risen in profile. Now with Manchester United strongly rebounding from their disappointing season a year ago and City struggling their way out of the title race, this match might just mean more than it has in a long time.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
This round of the Manchester Derby has a whole lot more than pride on the line this time.
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With just a point separating these two teams in third and fourth place in the EPL and both teams close behind second-place Arsenal, this match could play a big role in figuring out how the top four shakes out behind seemingly inevitable champions Chelsea. There’s a lot on the line at Old Trafford today, and that always adds an element of excitement for everyone watching.
Key player - Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
One silent detail in Manchester United’s recent surge in form has been the incredible play of Herrera in Manchester’s midfield. Often overlooked or hurt or both during much of the season, Herrera has been playing frequently and very, very well of late, and it’s allowed United to raise their level of play. While Herrera has rarely been the guy at the center of the action, creating the chances that United scores or stopping the ones that their opponents attempt, he’s almost always right around the action, available to help as needed, serving as an outlet and helping make sure that the guys who are at the center of the action either have the ball at their feet or have the space they need to make good things happen for the Red Devils. That has a lot of value, and United have been much better for having him play that role.
Key Matchup - Louis van Gaal vs. Manuel Pellegrini
This match is, in a lot of ways, a story about the managers as much as it is about the teams. They’ve gone on very different trajectories this season -- Pellegrini came in as the man who lead City to the title last season, doing no wrong and taking England by storm. Van Gaal was taking over a United side that had been as poor as anyone could remember a United side being since Alex Ferguson took over so long ago, and there were more questions than answers. Now, Pellegrini seems nearly certain to be fired, while Van Gaal has United fans feeling better than they have since Ferguson retired. If Pellegrini has any remote hope of saving his job, it will rely on finding a way to win at Old Trafford. With that in mind, seeing how he approaches this match will be fascinating.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Robin Van Persie (ankle), Jonny Evans (suspended), In doubt: Chris Smalling (ill), Luke Shaw (hamstring)
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Wilfried Bony (ankle) In doubt: Stevan Jovetic (muscle strain), Vincent Kompany (hamstring), Dedrick Boyata (muscle strain)
Manchester United are still dealing with a thin back line thanks to Evans’ suspension and the potential absence of Smalling and Shaw, but it could be Manchester City with the bigger loss if Kompany doesn’t pass his fitness test and can’t play. Bony or Jovetic they can live without, but with how shaky their defense has been, they need Kompany’s presence in the back, even if his form hasn’t been at it’s best of late.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), Telemundo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN 1, 3, 4, 5 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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