Shaun Wright-Phillips gives surprising verdict on Man Utd ahead of blockbuster Man City clash

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Man City prepare to host Man Utd

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 15/12/2024

- 11:57

EXCLUSIVE: Shaun Wright-Phillips has opened up ahead of today's showdown at the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City hero Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Manchester United are 'heading in the right direction', despite their mixed start to life under Ruben Amorim.

Amorim recently replaced Erik ten Hag, who was axed last month following a disappointing start to the season.


United have, however, picked up just four Premier League points under their new manager so far.

After drawing with Ipswich and crushing Everton, they've slipped to consecutive league defeats against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Man City news Shaun Wright-Phillips Man Utd

Man City news: Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Manchester United are 'heading in the right direction', despite their mixed start to life under Ruben Amorim

PA

It's evident that Amorim has a big job on his hands as he looks to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

But Wright-Phillips, speaking exclusively to GB News via casino.org, has been enthused by United's recent displays and believes they finally have an 'identity' for the first time in two-and-a-half years.

"It's the first time in two or two and a half years that I've seen Man Utd play with an identity," he said.

"They all look comfortable on the ball, they do still take a few too many chances, for example with Onana, but generally they're looking much better in that department.

JUST IN:Gary O'Neil sacked by Wolves as boss loses job less than 24 hours after Ipswich defeat

"Set pieces aside, I thought they defended well against Arsenal. To lose the game on set pieces and not give away any clear cut chances until late in the game, that shows me that they're getting there slowly.

"Do they have the personnel to play this system? Will anything change when all of the players are back from injury? Those topics will keep coming up.

"I think one big question might be what happens with Marcus Rashford. Will he play in the 10 role or switch to a number nine, with Alejandro Garnacho slotting in?

"He still has a lot of sorting out to do, but he's trying to get them to understand how to play within the system.

READ MORE:Ryan Reynolds speaks out on 'pulling away' rumours from Wrexham amid £475million investment

"The likes of City, Arsenal and Liverpool all know how to play a system, and you can start to see it happening at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, too.

"Certain players at those clubs can play out of position and do it well because they understand it.

“I think Man Utd are slowly heading in the right direction."

On Sunday, United will lock horns with City at the Etihad.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Man City news Man Utd

Man City news: Shaun Wright-Phillips feels Man Utd have an 'identity' under Ruben Amorim

PA

Pep Guardiola's side have toiled of late, losing seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions.

Yet Wright-Phillips believes City will still win the clash over their fierce rivals, insisting they've got the 'squad depth' required to secure all three points.

"I usually stay away from these!" he said when asked for a prediction.

"I'll say 2-1 to Manchester City. I think Man United give up too many chances. Of course City do too, but I think they're more likely to take advantage.

Man City news Man Utd

Man City news: Shaun Wright-Phillips expects his old side to beat Man Utd at the Etihad Stadium today

PA

"Having Kevin De Bruyne back is massive, while Bernardo Silva scored his first league goal of the season against Forest last week.

"They've got the better squad depth too with Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku able to make a difference, potentially from the bench.”

You may like