Erik ten Hag names three things Manchester United need for derby-day victory vs Man City

Erik ten Hag insists the key to beating Manchester City lies in three areas: attitude, energy and a clear plan of action.

Manchester United welcome their fierce rivals to Old Trafford this afternoon for the 191st Manchester derby. Both sides come into the clash in decent form, having won two games each since returning from the international break.

United were not particularly convincing in either victory, however, and go into the home game as underdogs. But they did so last season and came away with three points, and Ten Hag remains optimistic that he has the blueprint for another derby-day win.

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“It's not about them," Ten Hag told MUTV of City. "Of course, it's a great team, but it's about us and how we play against them. And so, we have a clear plan, and we would have, and we have the right attitude and the right energy levels, and then we have a very good chance to win this game.”

Players are always told not to play the occasion on derby day and getting dragged into the atmosphere can often lead to ill-discipline. But in that 2-1 win at the start of the year, United harnessed a fervent Old Trafford crowd to score twice in four minutes.

For Ten Hag, it is about finding a balance, drawing energy from supporters but keeping a cool head when it matters most.

“Yeah, it's always different," the Dutchman added of the derby-day atmosphere. "Derby games against them, against top, top teams it's always different and that is for the players.

"They like such challenges, so we are more motivated. They have more energy. But of course, the fans, the ambience will be incredible.

"I'm sure the