Man United vs Man City Fans Verdict - Derby Day thoughts and predictions

Ralph Staniforth: "This may actually be the perfect game for Michael Carrick to have as his first one in charge. He may not be the most experienced manager, but his time at Middlesborough shows that he can set up a team. Carrick hasn’t had much time with the side, so setting them up on the counter against the possession-based City could, as it has many times in the past, work in his favour. Old Trafford will accept this approach, particularly if early signs are positive, and they will get behind the side. While many will hope for the 'new manager bounce', the concerning thing for United is that the last time they had that was probably when Ole Gunnar Solsjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in late 2018."

Ric Turner: "It's going to be an interesting game. We looked really good on Tuesday at St James Park after a recent blip in form, but are missing a lot of players. The signing of Antoine Semenyo seems to have given everyone a lift. They've got an almost fully fit squad to choose from, and should be fresher as they don't have European football (or indeed any cup games now!) to contend with. It remains to be seen if they'll get a new manager bounce with Michael Carrick, although he doesn't seem the most charismatic managerial appointment."

RS: "It is hard to argue that City have the better team and squad, but they are missing key players. While City have won their last two games, their recent form hasn’t been all that good. A strong opening 20 minutes for us could set the tone for the game and get the crowd onside. The correct setup coupled with the players getting behind the manager’s plan, I wouldn’t be surprised to see us take all three points or a point at least, especially with the possible return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo."

RT: "We're indisputably a better team than them, but anything can happen in a derby. We would regularly take points off them when we were rubbish and they were good, and the same is true now that the tables have turned. We should really be winning this though, with the superior quality we possess. I genuinely don't think a single player of theirs would get into our strongest XI."

RS: "City have a fantastic squad, that is not up for debate, but I truly believe the biggest battle will be with ourselves. United simply have to get stuck in early, once Old Trafford gets behind them, the game is up for the taking. Obviously, there are areas in the City side where we can get at, particularly at the back where John Stones and Ruben Dias are absent. However, first-and-foremost, we will have to be tight at the back, keeping Foden, Haaland and co quiet will be a huge challenge. But, as I said earlier, I believe Carrick will set the team up to sit a bit deeper with a back four and catch City on the counter - we may see an early high-press just to test the young defenders out and see how they handle Old Trafford on Derby Day."

RT: "I think a lot depends on whether our young, relatively inexperienced central defenders can handle the pressure of a derby at Old Trafford. Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne have been excellent in the three games they've played together so far, but Saturday will be their biggest test yet, particularly because United's forward line will be bolstered by the return of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo."

RS: "Bright, energetic start by United leads to a 1-0 lead with another added on the counter. 2-0 to United. Bruno Fernandez and Benjamin Sesko to score. Noisy neighbours depart quietly."