The transfer window is over, the International break is all but over. All eyes are now firmly placed on Manchester as its Manchester Derby week. This year though a extra little bit of spice has been thrown into the contest. This isn't about who gets the bragging rights anymore. This is about who has the greatest wizard laying out the tactics.
Mourinho vs Pep the rematch
Guardiola's Barcelona v Mourinho's Real Madrid Eleven meetings: Guardiola wins: 5, Draws: 4, Mourinho wins: 2
The two heavy hitters face off against each other once again, and renew the desire to outsmart each other.
Since it has been known that these two were not only going to be managing in the same league, but the same town, the media have been chewing at the bit waiting for this day. The two have been compared throughout preseason, and the cancelled Utd vs City warm up game left many hungry for some answers.
The transfer window was the first battle ground, with both managers investing heavily in there squads. City’s Ilkay Gundogan looks set to be a brilliant fit for the squad, should he get control of the injuries. But Mourinho eager to flex his muscles, smashed world records and purchased Pogba. Pogba is responsible for £190 million pounds worth of shirt sales in 3 weeks, and he will be chomping at the bit to open his United Goal account.
Not only that but goal machine Zlatan Joined United on a free, and has hit the ground running. While City’s main goal man Aguero will sit this derby out, after receiving a ban.
Claudio Bravo to City
City’s big news in the closing stages of the transfer window was the arrival of Claudio Bravo. Harts distribution was a concern for Pep, and the fans favourite has been shown the door.
But making that change so late in the transfer window now leaves City contemplating change at their back line. Bravo looks set to make his debut for the club at the derby, which some would say, away from home, and in such a game of expectation this is less than ideal.
The psychological advantage to the champion of this bout will no doubt have a huge impact.
A win for Guardiolathis early in the season without star man Sergio Aguero would be a massive advantage. Whereas a dominant performance and victory for United will firmly tell other teams that Old Trafford is once again a fortress to be feared and that United are back.
One thing is for sure, with it been so early in the season there are likely to be many twists and turns ahead. But I for one can’t wait for this weekend to come fast enough.
