Having won eight matches on the spin in all competitions, United can move a point behind their neighbours with victory over them in that Premier League showdown, while Marcus Rashford has struck-up impressive form under the Dutchman this season – with 18 goals for club and country from 30 appearances.
Irwin spoke about the impending derby with MUFC media. He said: “You always have to be aware of other teams and their assets, what they&aposre good at, what they&aposre capable of – which is quite a lot in City&aposs terms – and also what their vulnerabilities are.
“So you always have to be wary, whether you&aposre playing Manchester City or a team in the league, you&aposve got to be aware of what they&aposre good at. Essentially, I think you concentrate on yourselves, how you can win the game, what you can do to win the game.”
Irwin added: “I don&apost think Manchester United will ever be at the stage where we just want to cancel a team out. I wouldn&apost say the onus is on us to go and attack, but the manager will want us to attack and to counter-attack and have a bit of pace about ourselves, [He will want] a bit of quick passing so that we can threaten City.”
Games continue to come thick and fast for Ten Hag and his men throughout January, with United still competing in four competitions this season. Since the World Cup finals, they have already played six matches, winning them all to extend their impressive stretch to eight in all competitions.
