Skye Sports pundit Gary Neville has played down the chances of Manchester United emerging victorious from Sunday’s blockbuster fixture against Manchester City.
Old Trafford is gearing up to host the inaugural Manchester derby showdown of the 2023/24 campaign, with both sides eager to extend their winning streak.
The last time these two Premier League heavy hitters faced off at the Theatre of Dreams, Man United ran out 2-1 winners and will be hoping to replicate the feat this time around.
However, despite heading into the mouth-watering contest on the back of three consecutive victories in all competitions, Neville is not convinced of Man United’s chances of thwarting their local rivals on home turf.
“I went to the Copenhagen game on Tuesday night. United were really poor in the first half, they were better in the second,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“The form is not there, they’re not playing well. I will always say on Sunday if United are in the game with 20 minutes to go, they’ve got a real chance just because of the crowd.
“There’s no way United are going to come out on Sunday and belittle City in football terms because they’ve not been at that level.
“City are just a bit below par as well, so it will be interesting to see if United can bring the best out of City with the football that they play at Old Trafford.
“We’ll see what happens. I’m more hopeful than expectant.”
Man United have endured a campaign plagued by injuries, but a handful of key players have returned to the fold in recent weeks – although Casemiro remains a doubt for the derby.
The Red Devils will not be at full strength for Sunday’s encounter, but a win over their rivals would be monumental for the locker room confidence and could mark a significant turning point in their campaign
