The eyes of the football world will turn to a wintry corner of northwest England on Sunday when Manchester United tackle Manchester City in a mid-season Premier League title showdown.
City, the leaders, are gunning for a 14th successive league win — which would equal the all-time record in the English top flight — and can put a huge 11 points between themselves and second-place United if they prevail.
But United are seeking to set a record of their own by notching up a 41st consecutive home match without defeat and City manager Pep Guardiola is wary of his old foe Jose Mourinho’s ability to roll with the punches.
“Until now we cannot complain in terms of results and especially the way we have played,” said Guardiola, who was the last away manager to win at Old Trafford in September last year.
“When you see in every game the statistics — not just the way we play — we are better in terms of potential goals, possession and chances conceded.
“But I think United are fantastic on that.
Manchester Derby: Guardiola fears Mourinho’s rope-a-dope
