Man City v Man Utd: Gary Neville once urged Utd to rest players for derby clash

Manchester United make the short trip to face local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Having been brushed aside with ease in the reverse fixture earlier this season, Ralf Rangnick’s men will be intent on gaining a measure of revenge at the Etihad Stadium.

Thoroughly outclassed by their neighbours during the November clash at Old Trafford, United were fortunate that City’s margin of victory should wasn’t greater than the 2-0 scoreline they recorded.

It was a match that underlined the gap that has developed between the two sides over the last decade. Heading into this weekend’s showdown, City are currently in pole position to secure a second successive Premier League crown while United are some 19 points behind them, desperately scrapping for a Champions League qualification spot.

While United and City may not be direct competitors for the league title at present, the fixture means a great deal to everyone associated with both clubs.

In addition to the points that are at stake, local bragging rights are on the line. No matter the league table scenario, the derby is a must-win for both sets of supporters.

It’s almost unthinkable, then, that anyone attached to either team would suggest they field a weakened side for the match.

However, that’s exactly what United legend Gary Neville did during an April 2019 appearance on Sky Sports Monday Night Football.

At the time, United were facing the prospect of playing four games in 10 days as part of a hectic run-in to the 2018/19 season as they sought a top four finish.

In view of that daunting schedule, Neville – who made more than 600 appearances for the club over his own playing career – curiously urged then United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to