Manchester United are lightyears behind Manchester City and have ‘no chance’ of beating them in the upcoming derby, says Danny Murphy.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been in fantastic form in recent weeks – winning their last six across all competitions – and have kept four clean sheets in a row.
They are just one point behind Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions – who have won four of the last five titles – although City have played a game less.
The sides have already met once this season with City winning the derby 6-3 at the Etihad.
City have won the last three Manchester derbies, scoring 12 goals and conceding just four.
United last beat their rivals in March 2021 and they will lock horns once again on January 14 at Old Trafford.
Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy does not see anything other than a comfortable victory for Guardiola’s side as he told talkSPORT: ‘[Man Utd are] not going to beat Man City. Let’s get that straight.
‘They’ve got no chance. [But] the one thing United look is resilient. They look like they are playing for the manager.
‘They’ve got a fitness and hunger about them that we have not seen in a long time.
‘The quality is there and they have got quality players. If you’ve got a good team ethos, a good work ethic and a decently organised side in terms of balance, structure and a plan – then the quality is always going to shine.
‘Bruno Fernandes is as creative as anyone. Marcus Rashford is playing out of his skin.
‘You’ve got people like Christian Eriksen who is an wonderful passer of the ball. Casemiro has come in and oh my god, his impact has been nothing short of sensational.
‘They are dangerous. He’s got competition for places, which is great for the manager, he’s got rid of the Cristiano Ronaldo situation and there is a lot to be positive about.
‘But, ultimately, if you’re comparing them to Man City, and even Arsenal at the moment, there are not many Man Utd players getting anywhere near the Man City side. Let’s be honest.
‘Man City are the yardstick. The [6-3] game earlier this season showed the problems Man Utd will have when they play top opposition.
‘Even though Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes are both wonderful, creative footballers – at top level football, to win Champions Leagues and Premier Leagues – you can’t have them in the same midfield and win the league. They’re not defensive-minded enough.’
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