The last season two derbies at Etihad and Old Trafford that we had seen under Louis Van Gaal of United and Manuel Pellegrini of City were clearly lacking both the intensity and the passion fans expects from them.
Manchester City in the last season were lead by Manual Pellegrini who was a dead man because everybody knows Pellegrini's days numbered. Reason behind he was still manager of City was because Pep Guardiola was not available for the 12 months so he had to remain there. Because of that they were poor in the last season and despite bringing some mightly expensive players like Raheem Sterling, Kevin DeBruyne and Nicolas Otamendi, a team which is expected to win the Premier League finished at fourth spot, one place above rivals Manchester United.
Same situation was with Manchester United. They were lead by Luis Van Gaal who was not wanted by the fans because of his philosophy, dull football and inconsistent performances nor was the sterile football he encouraged.
The 0-0 draw at Old Trafford last October was as dull a Manchester Derby as you will see. Neither of teams wants to lose and they ended up finished with a goalless draw.
Both managers talk at the press was also uninspired and they were not take any single advantage of media as a tool ahead of the derby.
The return game at the Etihad in March was at least we remembered because of new Manchester United young sensational Marcus Rashford's winner which United won 1-0. Rashford's technical quality saw him fool of Martin Demichelis and at 18, becomes the youngest ever to score in a Manchester Derby. General quality was again failed to meet expectations in the match.
There is no danger of that this season. Manchester City is now filled with intensity under new manager Pep Guardiola. Excitement building because of his smart signings and his demand from his players. Five wins out of five, 15 goals, superb football, Champions League group stage qualification, as starts go, Guardiola has been pretty impressive.
Similar can be said about Manchester United because under new manager Jose Mourinho, United has the best summer of any Premier League side. Signed some world class players with the likes of Eric Bailly, Hernik Makitaryan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and world record signing Paul Pogba. They needed a manager who was a winner. They got one under Mourinho.
This leaves the derby set up beautifully. The two best managers in the game are going head-to-head.
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