Michael Owen says the pressure if OFF Ralf Rangnick’s side ahead of the Manchester derby

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has insisted there is ‘no pressure’ on Ralf Rangnick’s side ahead of the 187th Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.

The Red Devils travel to their arch-rivals with three places and 19 points separating the two sides ahead of the clash on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s men are seeking to steer clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, while the red side of Manchester are aiming to re-ignite their top-four pursuit.

Ralf Rangnick’s side are aiming to re-ignite their top-four pursuit with a win at the Etihad

Ahead of the standout fixture of the weekend, Owen says Rangnick’s team can play the way the want without any pressure.

‘I think especially going to the Etihad, the pressure comes off Manchester United and they can play the style of football they want to play to be able to get a result’, he told the Premier League.

‘It is very difficult for United to play at Old Trafford and sit on the edge of their box and play a defensive game. At Old Trafford with your home fans, it is almost embarrassing to do that.

‘You can go to the Etihad and do it. You can sit back and hit them on the break, and they have done that quite a few times over the years and got some good results. 

‘So, possibly playing at City is an advantage, strange to say, but results over the years would suggest it would be’, Owen added.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, has been ruled out of the match against arch-rivals Manchester City

The experienced Edison Cavani continues to be sidelined following a long-term groin problem

United could are understood to still be without Edison Cavani, whilst talisman and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo is also ruled out, according to the Athletic.

Both £34million summer signing Raphael Varane and England left back Luke Shaw are also major doubts for the clash.