“I would never say that at Liverpool – even if I was bottom of the league”, Rodgers remarked. De Bruyne saved City’s blushes midweek with a late strike against Sevilla and will be a key man if the Citizens are going to come away from Old Trafford with all three points.
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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has praised Wayne Rooney’s longevity and backed the Manchester United captain to play well into his 30s like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Zabaleta added: “When you lose a derby like that it is very frustrating but now we have another chance to show how good we are doing in the Premier League”. “Whether we can compete?” We have to wait and see.
“Certainly winning last season was not my best moment because I think we started badly in that match”. I think we have to wait and see if we can develop as a team.
“It [how long he plays for] is dependent on the player”, said Van Gaal.
“We have more young players in our selection than previous year and we have to develop ourselves”.
The meeting at Old Trafford comes too soon for Fabian Delph, out with his second hamstring strain of the season, and Gael Clichy, yet to play this campaign after undergoing ankle surgery, to return.
“We have to be more consistent so next week when we win against Manchester City then we can say “OK, now we think maybe about title aspirations”, the Dutchman said after last week’s 3-0 win over Everton.
The France global midfielder believes a victory over City will be important as they are playing in front of their home fans.
“The champions are only in May”. It’s a big step when we win that’s true but you also have to continue. He also pointed out that it was a fairly silly question, but reporting that means the media won’t be able to praise him/criticise him for mind-games/negativity when things go excellently/horribly on Sunday.
United this season have just four points from three games after their 1-1 draw with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, October 21 in the UEFA Champions League. “I am improving, when you love football you are always thinking about getting better”. I think I have the smallest squad in the Premier League.
City’s rivalry with United has gained a new edge in recent years following City’s elevation to the top of the domestic game.
And although Van Gaal insists that he was always aware of Martial’s talent, he admits that his consistent performances for United have been a pleasant surprise.
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“They love these kinds of matches”.
