Manchester City and Manchester United plot last-minute tribute to Ricky Hatton following tragic passing
Manchester City and Manchester United have organised a last-second tribute to Ricky Hatton ahead of the Manchester derby after his saddening passing.
Pep Guardiola takes on Ruben Amorim in arguably the most exciting fixture on the Premier League calendar: the Manchester derby.
New goalkeeper from PSG Gianluigi Donnarumma should start for Man City against the Red Devils following his deadline day move.
Kobbie Mainoo has been set a challenge by Amorim at Man United as the Englishman failed to get a move away during the summer window in his pursuit for more minutes ahead of the World Cup.
However, ahead of the crunch tie as Man United manager Amorim has been slammed as a “shambles”, the two sides will pay tribute to the passing of huge City fan Ricky Hatton after his death earlier today (14 September).
Lifelong Manchester City fan Ricky Hatton will be remembered before kick-off against Manchester United
The multiple world title holder passed away at the age of 46, sending shockwaves across the sporting world.
Hatton was a huge supporter of the Cityzens and was one of the “most loved and reverred” fans of the club.
The Englishman even fought at the Etihad in 2008 and was famously known to wear the sky blue colours of City during several ring walks in his glittering career.
The blue half of Manchester confirmed on X (14 September) that a minute’s applause will be held ahead of kick-off as both teams and the Etihad pay their respects to the outstanding boxer.
Emotions will run high for Manchester City against Manchester United
The news of the passing of the successful boxer will certainly hit hard for City fans who will be even more pumped up for the derby.
It has always been a strongly fought match and the tragic learning that Hatton will not be in attendance at the Etihad will give the fans and the players even more impetus to go out and win.
United will most certainly be wary that they could be facing a highly motivated Guardiola side who will be extremely eager to deliver in the final match of the Premier League weekend.
| Man City start of Premier League season (first three games) | |
| Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Defeats | 2 |
| Goal difference | +1 |
At times, the City home ground has come under fire for being a quiet stadium for away teams to travel to but I think this will be far different on this occasion.
The blue half of Manchester have not had the usual flawless start to the league campaign and will need to get back on track after the international break’s two-week hiatus.
Fresh off his international exploits, Erling Haaland will also be hungry to bag some goals against the Red Devils who are on of his favourite teams to play against.