A United win over Man City would be a Special One for Mourinho

Jose Mourinho could be wearing a big cheesy grin this afternoon.

He won’t admit it, of course, but the Chelsea boss will be absolutely delighted if United can triumph in the Manchester derby.

With Liverpool and Arsenal having struggled to find form, the Blues could already be streaking away with the title after only 10 games!

This is an absolutely crucial game for Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The Chilean has spoken about a lack of trust and confidence in his players.

I feel he’s coming out with the wrong things at the wrong time.

I’m really surprised that a man of his experience would say that in public.

I wonder if he has a big enough personality to change the problems he has identified in his team.

He hasn’t shown himself to be the loudest or most forceful of characters, and you need a real vocal presence in the dressing-room when results are going badly.

After two defeats and a draw, City need to stop the rot straight away.

The bad news for them is that they face a Manchester United side with their tails up.

They will have taken confidence from the late equaliser that salvaged a point against Chelsea last Sunday.

Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal can enjoy his first derby. Expectations have been low at United this season and he’s made it clear that his side is a work in progress.

For me, the Dutchman’s main problem lies in midfield. United won’t be back as a major force until he gets that sorted out.

City would normally have the upper hand in that department, but they’ve lost David Silva through injury and Yaya Toure is also carrying a knock. That makes the game incredibly close to call.

A victory for United would give them a massive boost and create real uncertainty over Pellegrini’s future.

If he was doing well in the Champions League, he’d have a lot more breathing space.

That’s not the case, and you have to wonder if the City hierarchy will stand for a season where the FA Cup is the biggest aim.

Mourhino can look on this afternoon, knowing that a United win really will be a “Special One” for his team.