Four things United must do to get the better of Manchester City

Manchester United host neighbours and city rivals Manchester City on Sunday, in a match that could have a say in who gets an early advantage and lead in the title race. Both teams have had a decent season so far with City on top while United are two points behind in third.
A victory for United in this derby will make them leapfrog City on points and may take them top of the table, if results elsewhere go in their favour.
United's abysmal loss to Arsenal means the team can't afford to lose to another title contending team in a space of three matches,

not to talk about losing to their city rivals.

United's 3-0 win over Everton followed by an unconvincing 1-1 away draw at CSKA means the team can't boast of consistency of form. City also on their part will be missing the services of key players like Aguero and David Silva, but the team can still draw inspiration from the likes of Yaya Toure and Kelvin De Bryne.
Here are four things United must do to get the better off city:

1. Play Martial from the centre: the Frenchman needs no further introduction, he is a born goal poacher and predator. With five goals and three assists in nine games for United, what else can you ask for from a 19 year old.
But after his explosive start to live in England, Louis Van Gaal seems to have developed other plans for the striker. He has started his last two games for united on the left flank, and this seem to have reduced his effectiveness. His equalizing goal midweek came when he attacked from the centre. City's central defence has been shaky for most part of this season, and with Martial attacking from the middle united will have a round peg in a round hole. He can score and provide chances and assist for his teammates.

2. Win the midfield battle: the outcome of this match to a large extent will be determined by who can control and boss the midfield for most of the game. City's midfield is blessed with players with physical
presence, power and drive. United on their part have got intelligence and composure, and must use what they have to their maximum advantage. One United allow the likes of Toure and Fernadino to start moving with the ball with ease, then there maybe fire on the mountain. It remains to be seen the midfield combination Van Gaal would select. But for this kind of opposition, schneidelin should get a start.

3. Be fast in transition: Van Gaal's philosophy of keeping the ball, passing it around seems to have been working for United this season, but has it downsides. United seems to have lost sense of urgency, especially in the final third. Passing the ball around is fine but not all defense will crack to it. Against City, United must play with some sense of urgency in the final third to break down city's back four.

4. Defend as a unit: against city, united will come up against one of the best individual talents in English football. Raheem Sterling and  De Bruyne will be handful for the United's defence. De Bruyne showed what he's capable of doing despite Silva's absence against Bournemouth and against Sevilla. For united to get the better off city, the defensive duty must not be left to the defenders alone. The wingers must constantly help the fullbacks. While Herrera or Rooney must also be on the defensive alert.