After the international break, Manchester City and Manchester United’s upcoming contest is one that already looks like a must-win for both sides.
Considering Pep Guardiola and Co have lost two out of their first three Premier League games, City would be dreading the prospect of dropping more points in the Manchester Derby; a result that could potentially even hurt their title hopes.
As for Manchester United, they have accrued a mere four points from their first three outings and with Ruben Amorim’s side finishing 15th last season, it is time for them to start getting results under their belt.
Ahead of the contest, Manchester City have signed Gianluigi Donnarumma and United have brought in Senne Lammens as both clubs have bolstered their respective goalkeeping departments.
Ruben Amorim holds Pep Guardiola in high esteem and he will be expecting his opposite number to have a few tricks up his sleeve for the much-awaited clash, which could include a surprise debut for Donnarumma.
Pep Guardiola should play Man City defender Abdukodir Khusanov as a right-back vs Man United
One of them could include Guardiola deploying Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov as a right-back against Manchester United.
While Khusanov is injured and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to face United, in the event that he is ready to play, the City boss should play him as a full-back instead of his natural centre-back role.
The 21-year-old has played as a right-back twice for the Sky Blues, notably against Real Madrid where he lined up Vinicius Jr and surprisingly managed to keep him quiet.
Pep Guardiola admitted he rates Khusanov highly and the youngster is tailor-made from a defensive standpoint to play as a right-back against Manchester United due to his searing pace and ability to defend in wide channels.
United remain dangerous on the counter-attack, especially from the left-hand side due to Patrick Dorgu being given the license to bomb down the flank.
Against Brighton in particular, City’s defence looked porous and while Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are serviceable options at right-back, throwing £33.8 million man, Khusanov into the deep end would be worth the punt for Pep Guardiola — as his backline continues to look vulnerable this season.
Abdukodir Khusanov could prove Man United legend Gary Neville wrong
Lewis’ intelligence and technical quality cannot be questioned but his athleticism can, as was on display for Brennan Johnson’s recent strike against Manchester City as he could not keep up with him to keep the goal out.
As for Nunes, while he has fared well as a makeshift right-back, the Portuguese international’s handball against Brighton as he needlessly blocked his face was yet another example of him often making too many errors in games.
The former RC Lens speedster, however has largely been excellent for Manchester City and with Manchester United legend Gary Neville claiming Khusanov has been unimpressive in the Premier League, claiming he has been “way off it.”
As a result, the Uzbek international may have the added motivation of proving Neville wrong as well.
