The derby game between Manchester United and Manchester City is set to kick-off at a time fans aren't too familiar with.
The first Manchester derby of the season will commence at 3:30pm on Sunday (October 29) which is an hour earlier than the usual 4:30pm kick-off time for the second game of Sky Sports' Super Sunday. There is a story behind the earlier kick-off which was agreed to by both clubs.
Man United released a statement on their club website following confirmation that the game had been rescheduled which vaguely read: "The unusual start time was agreed following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities." The Premier League giants gave no specific reason for the change in time other than an agreement was made with their rivals, Sky Sports and the authorities.
READ MORE: Size of Man Utd's wage bill still baffling despite cutting £52million with Ronaldo exit
READ MORE:Micah Richards has embarrassing wardrobe malfunction during live Champions League coverage
Regardless of the new kick-off time, it remains a huge game for both and contrasting reasons. City – who are aiming to become the first Premier League side ever to win four titles in a row – sit second in the league and are two points off leaders Tottenham Hotspur. Pep Guardiola's side have dominated English football for a number of years but they look more mortal having lost consecutive games for the first time since 2018.
They'll be looking to make a statement against their neighbours who've endured a dire season so far. United sit a lowly eighth in what has been their worst start to a season in 34 years. They've lost four games in the league in their opening nine fixtures while each of their wins have come with just a one goal cushion.
Who will come out on top in the first Manchester derby of the season? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below
However, they've enjoyed the taste of victory as of late with their mid-week Champions League victory against Copenhagen making it three wins in a row in all competitions for Erik ten Hag's men. Both teams will certainly be well rested ahead of the derby as UK clocks will go back by an hour at 2am on Sunday morning providing an extra hour of sleep for players.
Source: Read Full Article
