Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane has dropped his clear-cut prediction for Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
The Red Devils were dealt a major blow in their pursuit of a top-four Premier League finish after their defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford last week.
Alex Iwobi struck deep in injury time to seal a 2-1 win for Fulham, with Manchester United suffering their first defeat of 2024.
United had been on a seven-match unbeaten run across all competitions before the defeat to Fulham, including winning four consecutive Premier League matches.
Erik ten Hag’s men are currently sixth after 26 matches played and are three points behind fifth-place Tottenham and eight points adrift of fourth-place Aston Villa.
Keane makes Man City vs Man Utd prediction
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces a tough test when the Red Devils travel to the Etihad for their showdown with Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s men are hot on the heels of Liverpool in the Premier League title race and City are only one point adrift from Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
City are unbeaten in their last 18 matches across all competitions and have not suffered a defeat since their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park last December.
Pep Guardiola’s side also steamrolled Luton Town in a 6-2 win in the FA Cup on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland scoring an incredible five times in the match.
Speaking after the thumping win at Kenilworth Road, former United star Roy Keane said City are the clear favourites going into the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The United legend added that his former side will “certainly be up against it” and City could “punish” the Red Devils if they don’t capitalise on their chances.
“You’d have to fancy City and United had a poor result last weekend,” Keane said on ITV (via ManchesterWorld).
“Recently, United have been very easy to play against.
“If United keep giving up the sort of chances they have in the last month or two, then City will punish them.
“Hopefully, a good Manchester United will show up and put in a good performance, but they’ll certainly be up against it.”
Keane on Man City title challenge
Keane believes that City will “take some stopping” in their current form and the Sky Sports pundit has been impressed with their winning streak under Guardiola.
City are currently second in the league table and Arsenal are only one point behind the defending Premier League champions after 26 matches played.
Keane, speaking after City’s win over Luton, has said that both Arsenal and Liverpool have “rightly” deserved the headlines they have been getting, but he added that City should not be overlooked.
“Not just physically, but mentally they’ll [City] be fresh and they looked it tonight,” he said.
“Liverpool and Arsenal are getting a lot of headlines and rightly so, they’re playing some really good stuff, but I still think City will take some stopping.”
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