Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has expressed his confidence in Michael Carrick's side to emerge triumphant in the home derby against Manchester City.
The expert predicts a score of 2-1 and believes that the atmosphere at Old Trafford could be the key factor.
Neville shared his thoughts on The Overlap:
I think United will win. If you ask me for a score, I'll go with 2-1 in favour of United.
The ex-United player highlighted significant changes within the City squad. According to him, some of Enzo Maresca's players have yet to experience the intense atmosphere of a Manchester derby:
This is a new City, and some of these players haven't been to Old Trafford before or played in matches of this calibre.
I always say that when City go to Anfield, Liverpool usually come out on top. I think something similar might happen with United on Sunday.
City have a very strong squad, but they've lost a lot of leadership and experience. Quite a bit.
Neville believes that the hosts don’t necessarily need to dominate throughout the match. He suggests that the outcome of the derby could hinge on a brief spell when the crowd's intensity reaches a peak:
I feel that Old Trafford, like Anfield, is one of those stadiums that can just swallow you whole. In ten minutes, it can literally eat anyone alive.
City might be better for significant portions of the game, but I think there will be those ten minutes when the game goes mad, the tempo will escalate, and they'll be thinking: 'What is happening?'
Perhaps that’s what we’re banking on this Sunday – those five to ten minutes when the stadium just devours the opponent.
Last season, Carrick began his tenure as interim manager of United with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
