LONDON, (Reuters) – The Premier League title race is over with a shout-out but Manchester United at least have a chance to stop Manchester City’s attack on the European record books when the sides meet at the derby on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
City’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers this week was their 21st in a row and 15th in a row in the league leaving them 14 points clear of United in second place which could only draw 0-0 with Crystal Palace .
Pep Guardiola insists that reclaiming the English title is the priority, but the Spaniard will also be aware that his side’s appearance exceeds some of the longest winning stripes in European football’s biggest leagues.
A win over United would equal the 22 consecutive wins achieved by Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti in 2014-15.
It would also give them just one win away from matching Bayern Munich’s 23-game winning streak achieved last season and two behind Ajax Amsterdam who started under Louis van Gaal on a 25-game winning run in 1995.
An official world-record record of 27 consecutive wins held by the New England Saints club is also on the horizon, but at least on Sunday, that will all come second.
While United are at risk of stalling three consecutive 0-0 games in all competitions, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can boast a decent record in the derby, winning three of his last six encounters with City.
This season’s clash at Old Trafford ended 0-0 with United showing little ambition, a worrying trend whenever they have faced one of their direct rivals this season.
They have failed to win any of their seven games against the so-called “big six” this season, scoring only once.
MORE AMBITION
While United boast a proud away record this season, still unbeaten on their flights in the top flight, Solskjaer will be expected to send an outfield showing more ambition on Sunday.
“It’s hard to explain. But I think we have to do much better in these types of games, especially to create more opportunities, to venture more in half, around their box, ”United midfielder Nemanja Matic said after the game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Solskjaer says the clash with City will provide “extra spice” even though the amount of risks it will be willing to take against a rumpled City are on track to beat their own 18-match Premier League winning run, is questionable.
During their 15 league winning streak City have scored 38 goals and conceded just five.
The defeat of United would leave them vulnerable in the race to finish in the top four, a battle that could involve at least eight clubs chasing the three spots below City’s running leaders.
Leicester City, who are in third place, have failed late with injuries stacking up, but are still only a point behind United ahead of their game at Brighton on Saturday.
West Ham, who were fourth ahead of Thursday’s clash between Chelsea in fifth place and Liverpool in sixth place, suffered a 2-1 loss from Manchester City last weekend, but it will take heart to push City all the way. They welcome Leeds United on Monday when Chelsea take on Everton in another match that will have a major influence in the pursuit of Champions League football.
At the other end of the table is 17th-ranked Newcastle United, facing a nervous trip to West Bromwich Albion, set 19th, on Sunday night, when a defeat would leave the Magpies in serious danger.