Manchester United have enough to worry about in-camp before their looming derby showdown with Manchester City in a couple of weeks. But despite victories for both Manchester clubs on Tuesday night, those results left Pep Guardiola and his star-studded team with another clear advantage.
Following back-to-back 1-1 draws with Burnley and Southampton, United returned to winning ways at their iconic stadium as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes scored to help them beat Brighton.
United were given a helping hand when Brighton captain Lewis Dunk saw red for an infringement that needed an intervention from VAR. Barring those ifs and buts and a few hairy moments at the back, it was a welcome result for interim manager Ralf Rangnick and his men as they restored hope in their top-four charge.
Despite giving that contest their full attention, United would have also had one eye on events that were unfolding some 1,500 miles away in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Even without £100million man Jack Grealish City were rampant as they virtually sealed themselves a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals with a stunning first leg performance in Portugal.
In doing so, the Premier League table-toppers sent out a clear message to their European rivals — including PSG and Real Madrid — who locked horns in a much more evenly-contested match than City played out with Sporting Lisbon at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Bernardo Silva led the way with a brace, although he was not alone in shining for Guardiola during that 5-0 win.
It would take an almighty collapse for City to miss out on the last eight now — so much so they may even be able to rest big-hitters such as Bernardo for the second leg.
What is your early prediction for the derby? Have your say in the comments section below.
For those who have yet to take a closer look at the fixture schedule for March, the wounded Primeira Liga outfit are set to visit the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, March 9 — three days after the Manchester derby.
After sweeping aside their last-16 opponents, City will not face a selection dilemma as they strive to keep Liverpool at bay in the Premier League title race. As a result, Guardiola can pencil in his strongest team to take on United — and plan accordingly for what ought to be a routine and safe European passage.
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