Just last month, one man was asked if his team were going to win the quadruple.
The other was said to have an impenetrable potion that automatically brought with it league titles.
Since then, the invincible, quadruple-winning team have played their last five games and failed to win any of them. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has looked less and less like Jose Mourinho.
The Manchester derby might not be as special as it was billed six weeks ago. Ha, imagine… Sky overselling something. The two clubs, City and United, might well be two of the best in the English Premier League but sure what does that even mean anymore?
Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have a lot of work to do still to get their respective sides to the previous El Clasico levels that they’re both used to. They’ve spent plenty of money but they’ll either need to spend a whole lot more or concentrate on improving what they have. It will probably take both. It will definitely take both.
At present though, who is better off? Forget about form or reputation, just take both of their starting teams and go through their players individually. Who would you rather have for each position?
Of their average formations and line-ups from WhoScored.com, this is what we went with.
De Gea v Bravo
Ha.
Winner: De Gea.
Sagna v Valencia
Valencia is one of the most underrated full backs in the world. He’s fast, strong, he’s got a nose for sniffing out danger and he’s a converted winger who wants to get forward. There’s not much he can’t or won’t do and there’s honestly not much better.
Winner: Valencia.
Bailly v Otamendi
Of the tough guys, there’s only one you can really trust to not throw a wobbler.
Winner: Bailly.
Smalling v Stones
Smalling this season is looking like a disaster with no confidence or conviction. Stones and Bailly could be a fine partnership for the next decade.
Winner: Stones.
Shaw v Clichy
Shaw is only 21. 21!
Winner: Shaw.
Fellaini v Fernandinho
Remember Fellaini used to be really rated at Everton?
Winner: Fernandinho.
Herrera v Silva
Ah for God’s sake. You should be fitting both of these guys in but, head to head in those positions, there’s very few to match Silva. Even if you are the glorious Ander Herrera.
Winner: Silva.
Pogba v De Bruyne
Money can’t buy you what De Bruyne brings you. Well, it did, but….
Winner: De Bruyne.
Mata v Nolito
Good player, good eye for a pass, good worker, good looking. Would absolutely thrive with Silva and De Bruyne.
Winner: Mata.
Sterling v Rashford
In about a year, Rashford is going to be unstoppable. Sterling is answering his crtics this season though and bloody well looks good.
Winner: Sterling.
Aguero v Ibrahimovic
Right up there with Suarez as the best striker in the world.
Winner: Aguero.
Manchester City 6 Manchester United 5.
Colm Parkinson chats to Kerry GAA legend, and author, Kieran Donaghy in a special edition of The GAA Hour. Listen below or subscribe on iTunes
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