Will United simply outscore the competition? (Video)
Having gained a reputation for snatching victories in the dying minutes of games, Manchester United will be looking to make more of their chances and sure up results well before injury time.
Manchester City are no strangers to dramatic late wins after last season, and that is exactly what the reigning Premier League champions needed to overcome basement side Reading. The Royals had defended resolutely throughout the match before a 92nd-minute header from Gareth Barry condemned them to a cruel defeat.
That result means that the gap at the top is down to only three points before United’s trip to Swansea, with Roberto Mancini’s side managing to keep the pressure on their title rivals. Those in attendance at the Etihad Stadium eagerly looked on as City’s attack struggled to break down a determined Reading team. Will Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have similar trouble in Wales?
United’s new front pairing have currently scored 19 league goals between them, a total that equals the number spread out between City’s Carlos Tevez , Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero this season. Rooney managed a personal best last season by ending the campaign on 27 league goals, despite the Red Devils failing to win the championship. His partnership with the prolific van Persie sent many pundits’ imaginations wild, as well as allowing the England striker to drop into a preferred deeper role.
Who has the better strike force is up for debate, but Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that the acquisition of last season’s top scorer proves to be enough to reclaim the Premier League crown from the blue half of Manchester.
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