Manchester Derby: Chance for United to show their quality

The Manchester derby at the start of April could pack much less of a punch than the derby at a similar time last season.

Manchester United have started to canter off over the horizon as Manchester City have failed to come good on their promises to defend their Premier League crown down to the last day of the season.

It could be the perfect opening weekend of April for Sir Alex Ferguson as his horse Harry The Viking is running in the Grand National on the Saturday followed by the Manchester derby on the Monday evening.

However, just because the importance of the match may be reduced doesn’t make it any less significant.

Plenty of United supporters want revenge on an epic scale for the way City humiliated them at Old Trafford last season with that 6-1 victory.

United are undoubtedly the favourites because Spurs are the only side to go to Old Trafford so far this season and take anything away with them.

City have dropped points on seven occasions away from home including a recent defeat away at Southampton which highlighted extensive problems that have within their own side.

It’s going to be more of a pride battle as opposed to a battle which decides the fate of the Premier League title. If it is decisive in the title race, then United must have been playing pretty badly not to have virtually wrapped things up by April 8.

It’s a chance for United to deliver a massive knock out blow of epic proportions to their noisy neighbours who, don’t forget, only won the title last season because of a single goal in added time.

Sir Alex Ferguson will not let the current 12 point lead slip and he would enjoy nothing more than a perfect demonstration at Old Trafford of why his side are clearly, the best team in Manchester.

It will always be a significant match in the Premier League season from now on because City’s instant success generated through cash has got them up to United’s level.

There are going to be some very significant and very decisive Manchester derbies but this one is going to be more about pride and revenge as opposed to deciding where the trophy goes by the end of May.