The new Premier League season has seen Manchester City race ahead at the top of the table, leaving rivals trailing in their wake. Manchester United sit in second place, but already face an eight-point gap to Pep Guardiola’s side. United legend Gary Neville believes his former club is the only team capable of challenging City for the title this season, though the road ahead looks steep. The situation has created the kind of anticipation and intensity that mirrors the drama of Live Cricket Bangladesh, where every match can change the course of a campaign.
According to Neville, the upcoming Manchester derby will be decisive. If United fail to beat City, the title race could effectively be over before the halfway point of the season. “The championship will definitely belong to Manchester,” Neville said. “Right now I believe United are the closest challengers to City. I don’t think Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, or Chelsea can push them all the way this year. United have the ability to compete, but they must stay within reach on points. City have been exceptional so far and shown remarkable quality.”
Neville emphasized that United need to seize their moment in the derby to keep hope alive. “If you are Manchester United, you have to make City doubt themselves. That derby is crucial. United must win it. They cannot afford to drop points against other teams either. If they do, the gap will only widen. But if they can beat City and maintain pressure over the next few weeks, the title race could still be alive.” His words reflect the urgency of the situation, where one game could make or break the season.
The schedule adds to the pressure. United face tough fixtures against Watford and Arsenal before the derby, while City take on West Ham and Southampton. On paper, United’s matches look more demanding, which means the margin for error is slim. “They must beat Watford and Arsenal to keep the gap from growing,” Neville added. “Only then can they approach the derby with a real chance to change the momentum. If United remain close enough, City will feel the pressure over the next three months. Otherwise, they will run away with it.”
For Mourinho, the derby could well define the trajectory of his team’s season. Victory would not only keep United in the hunt but also inject belief into the squad and fans alike. A defeat, however, might all but seal City’s dominance. It is a high-stakes moment, much like a do-or-die clash in Live Cricket Bangladesh, where one result can determine the fate of a tournament. For United, the path is clear—win the derby, stay close, and keep the title race alive. Without that, the dream of lifting the trophy may fade before spring arrives, leaving City to celebrate without rivals in sight.