Man Utd need to face some ugly truths – Solskjaer is living through a nightmare
The two best sides in English football will collide at the Etihad on Sunday night in what should be a blockbuster showcasing of the best league in the world.
That's the theory anyway.
For the past few weeks Manchester United have been City's closest challengers – but the problem for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is that the game is played on grass instead of paper.
If this showdown was a boxing scrap it would be declared a mismatch before the first bell was sounded.
Fighting out of the blue corner is the footballing equivalent of Muhammed Ali – a team full of poise, speed, panache and lethal combinations that leave rivals on the canvas unable to get up.
Fighting out of the red corner will be the footballing equivalent of Joe Bugner – a team capable of the odd knockout blow, but one that is also out of shape, mediocre and believing it is much better than it is.
City have Ruben Dias in defence, while United have Victor Lindelof. City have Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan pulling the strings in midfield while United have three stooges like Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic. In attack, City can cope without record scorer Sergio Aguero, while United are flogging Marcus Rashford to death.
The trip across town might be a short one for Solskjaer, but he will be entering a different world to the one he is familiar with. One where success is both expected and delivered by a side supremely coached, with a relentless hunger to keep on improving and winning trophies.
The gulf in class between these neighbours is staggering – and the brutal truth is that Solskjaer is living through a nightmare in Manchester.
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If City are not winning the title then Liverpool are, United's two biggest rivals when it comes to tradition, history and geography. It couldn't get any worse.
Pep Guardiola's side are destined for greatness, but few people know where United are destined for.
Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward appears unconcerned, however and claimed this week he was optimistic about United's chances of success in the future, that the progress the team was making under Solskjaer was clear.
At the same time Woodward was announcing club revenues of £281m, managing director Richard Arnold was bragging that United women's Instagram account had more followers than nine Premier League clubs, while all three men's kits achieved record launch day sales.
Poignant indeed and supporters must be delighted. But here are some more facts United bosses are less keen to boast about.
United have spent £1billion on talent since 2013 but not come close to winning the title of Champions League. Last season United finished the season 33 points behind Liverpool and currently trail City by 14 this time round.
Progress is not reaching semi finals and losing. How can it be when Jose Mourinho reached two finals and won them both before being replaced by Solskjaer, who has now been in charge since 2018 but is still staring doe eyed into an empty trophy cabinet.
In that same time, City and Liverpool have won nine trophies between them, with Guardiola still on course to add a historic four more to his loot this season alone.
Manchester used to be red, but the dynasty Sir Alex Ferguson once built has crumbled and the place in now blue. United used to be the best team in the world, but these days they aren't even the best team in their own city. Not even close.
Arteta at Barca? Things can't be that bad…
Some strange things are happening in football this season.
Liverpool have gone from champions to chumpions following five home league defeats on the spin for the first time in history.
City, meanwhile, have reeled off staggering 21 straight wins in all competitions, while the handball rule continues to be more complicated to understand than life itself.
But perhaps the most staggering event of all is how Arsenal's Mikel Arteta managed to keep a straight face when "distancing" himself from speculation he is to become the next Barcelona boss.
"I am fully focused on the job that I have to do here, which we have a lot to do, and I am really enjoying it," he said, without the hint of a smile.
This is the same Arteta who has led the Gunners to the giddy heights of mid-table in the Premier League and the genuine prospect of not being in Europe next season.
We all know Barca have turned into an utter shambles of a club but come on, wanting Arteta to take over next? Things can't be that bad.
Do me a favour. Dismissing rumours he could be heading to the Nou Camp is the equivalent of yours truly playing down reports of an imminent Pulitzer Prize.
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GOOD WEEK FOR
Kieron Pollard – The West Indies batsman became just the third player in the history of international cricket history to hammer six sixes in one over when he bludgeoned Akila Danajaya all over Sri Lanka.
Kyle Eastmond – The centre has returned to Rugby League from Union after agreeing a lucrative two-year deal with the Leeds Rhinos.
Mason Mount – Scored a stunning winner to sink Liverpool and prove he is now the best player Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has at his disposal.
BAD WEEK FOR
Stephen Hendry – The seven-time world champion came out of retirement at the age of 52 but lost his first round match in the Gibraltar Open. You can't take on Father Time and win.
VAR – Every week is a bad one. This utter nonsense has ruined the game and needs to stop.
Mesut Ozil – His Fenerbahce nightmare continues after the former Arsenal star misses a sitter, is nutmegged and then stretchered off in his side's draw with Antalyaspor.
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