City Vs United: Bigger Underachiever?

We asked Phil Thompson which Manchester side has underachieved more this season ahead of Thursday's derby, live on Sky Sports.

Both teams have slipped off the title pace this season despite being Europe's top spenders, with Champions League qualification the focus when the sides meet at the Etihad.

City are one point ahead of their neighbours but Thommo insists it is Pep Guardiola's side that should be more disappointed with their campaign.

He told Sky Sports: "I think the way it has now panned out, Manchester City have probably underachieved to a greater extent this season.

"With the injuries they've had and having missed out on Champions League football last season, United have had more to contend with, but both sides would have expected a lot more from this campaign having spent huge amounts of money in the summer.

"Jose Mourinho has a trophy on his mantle and a good chance of claiming another one, whereas Guardiola is facing his first campaign without winning anything as a manager.

"It will also be a big concern that they've failed to secure a top-four finish by this stage of the season. I think Pep was eluding to that at the weekend, saying the top brass won't be happy.

"City should have won the FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal and they were also in a decent position in their Champions League last-16 tie, so it will be a tough campaign for Pep to reflect on when he sits down at the end of the season.

"I'd have still expected a bit more from Manchester United as well, though. In my pre-season prediction, I had them second behind City and to comfortably secure a top-four finish.

"I don't think either manager's job is under pressure because it is early days in their respective projects. They will spend a lot of money this summer, just like the other top-six sides, so it will be a busy one."

Thommo believes consistency is going to be key for City next season, while United will face a tough task replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic should he depart.

"Leroy Sane has been on fire after a bit of a slow burner, and I'm excited to see whether Gabriel Jesus can pick up where he left off," he added.

"Raheem Sterling has had a decent season but you still expect a lot more from him in terms of consistency, but defensively massive problems.

"Vincent Kompany's absence has been the main issue. The rest of them have had to battle for their places and that lack of continuity hasn't helped them at all, while Pep will have to take responsibility for the goalkeeper issue.

"In terms of United's signings, you'd say Paul Pogba needs to do better but Ibrahimovic has been outstanding and is going to be a big miss. Marcus Rashford has come to the fore late on, like he did last season.

"I think one of the things, particularly when it wasn't going well, was the reintroduction of Michael Carrick.

"He really did help turn things around and he played a major part, while Ander Herrera has also proved he deserves his place."

Credit: Skysports.com