Erik ten Hag claims he can “smell” Manchester United’s hunger to defeat rivals City in their derby match.

Although Manchester United is an underdog against Treble champions Man City in their derby match on Sunday, Erik ten Hag claims he can “smell” his players’ desire to pull off a significant shock in the title chase.

In Sunday’s derby matchup, Erik ten Hag claims he can “smell” his Manchester United players’ determination to make a statement.

At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City is a clear favorite to defeat United, its neighborhood rivals, and continue their unbeaten run at an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title. Midweek, Pep Guardiola’s Treble champions defeated Luton 6–0 to advance to the FA Cup quarterfinals, while United needed a late winner in the 89th minute to defeat Nottingham Forest.

Ten Hag’s team is currently in sixth place, eight points off fourth spot, with their chances of qualifying for Champions League football looking increasingly slim. Despite their miserable season, which has seen them slump to 15 defeats in 37 games, Ten Hag claimed he can sense a desire among his players to stage a major upset by beating City. “We have done well before against City and also lately against Liverpool, so we will prepare well,” said Ten Hag. As for United, their mini-revival came to an end last weekend with a 2-1 loss at home to Fulham.

“The players are excited and prepared for it. It smells to me. The gamers and I have been chatting about here, so we are all really thrilled and looking forward.

“The foundation is that of emotion, desire, and dedication, but when you enter the game on Sunday, it is really essential. We’re having success. This is a great time, we’re all together. Together, we will devise a strategic plan of action.

Ten Hag’s United was routed 6-3 at City last season, but they prevailed 2-1 at Old Trafford in the rematch, which featured a contentious Bruno Fernandes equalizer.

Even though City demonstrated their dominance once again this season with a resounding 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, Ten Hag insisted that his team need not be afraid of them.

Ten Hag remarked, “They have a good team, but there are more good teams.” “We know that they won last season, and that presents a challenge.

“But there are other fantastic teams, and Liverpool is a very good team as well. We enjoy a challenge, and we’re excited to take on this one alongside them.

“We aim to triumph in every match. That is our method of thinking and playing every game. It makes no difference who the opposition is. It’s always your goal to compete against the greatest.

The opponent typically produces the best results while playing Manchester United, as you can see.

“Perhaps this game is more about us than them, but we know that if we want to win, we need to put in our best effort as a team. It is feasible, though, if you try. That’s what the opposition is currently displaying against City as well.

“You need a fantastic day, and we had the chance to win once against City. The athletes must play to their highest abilities since it is also what we know.”

When asked if this coming weekend would be pivotal for United’s quest of a top four spot, Ten Hag responded, “No, because there are a lot more games to play.”

We’re playing in a fantastic FA Cup match. We know we need to catch up after City, but there are still a lot more games after that in which we need to catch up and secure a spot.”