The 186 th Manchester derby will have far more riding on than just local pride with Solskjaer’s position at United still under intense scrutiny.
The Manchester derby at the Old Trafford is framed by United’s embarrassing 5-0 home defeat by Liverpool which has generated much uncertainty around the hosts.
One more loss against a major rival so soon afterwards will be difficult for United and Solskjaer to swallow. Either, a defeat is not without its consequences for City given their early-season from.
Suppose Guardiola’s side inflicts similar sized-punishment just like Liverpool, it is impossible to imagine Solskjaer being able to survive given that some of those who have backed him in the face of huge criticism now feel his tenure needs to end.
Similarly, United has placed itself in a position where any negative result is likely to trigger an overreaction.
With City, the club suffered a home defeat by Crystal Palace last weekend leaving their title defense in trouble. The side is now five-points adrift of Chelsea with a nine less goal difference compared to the Blues.
City are two points ahead of their total after 10 games last season when it was widely accepted their start had been sluggish. After drawing their next two matches, City dropped only three points from their next 19 games.
With Chelsea likely to exceed the 86 points City gained last season, a similar tun might be required for Guardiola’s side to retain their crown.
However, the major question is whether it is possible given Guardiola failed to sign Erling Haaland and Harry Kane last summer. Regardless, City, both last season and this have proved effective with a “false nine” as it awaits to see what will happen in their clash with Manchester United.
Suppose United beats City, the two clubs will be level on points. However, if they lose, United could fall to as low as 10 th in the league table.