Michael Owen believes Manchester United playing away from home in Sunday’s derby against Manchester City gives them an “advantage”.
Back in November, City won the reverse fixture very comfortably, picking up a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Dour derby on the cards but Man Utd can copy Spurs to sink City
Home form in the Manchester derby has been shaky in recent years, with the hosts winning only twice in the previous 17 encounters.
And Owen – who scored a famous last-gasp winner for United against City during a 4-3 win in 2009 – believes United can punish the Premier League champions on the break in Sunday’s match.
“I think especially going to The Etihad, I think the pressure comes off Manchester United in a way, and they can play the style of football they probably want to play to get a result,” Owen said (via the Mirror).
“[It’s] very difficult for Manchester United to play at Old Trafford and go and sit on the edge of their box and just play a defensive game, at Old Trafford, with your home fans, it’s almost embarrassing to do that.
“But you can go to The Etihad and do it, you can sit back and you can hit on the break, and they’ve done that quite a few times over the years and got some good results.
“So, possibly for Manchester United, playing at The Etihad is an advantage, strange to say, but results over the years would suggest it would be.”
Meanwhile, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has reportedly been added to Manchester United’s managerial shortlist.
United are searching for a new permanent manager to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax’s Erik ten Hag are the two most frequently linked with the Old Trafford role, but Carlo Ancelotti and Luis Enrique are also reported to be in contention.
And now Mirror claim Hasenhuttl has been added to the shortlist.
The report states that Southampton’s two draws against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City caught the eye of the United hierarchy, namely football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher.
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