LVG’s Press Conference Ahead Of The Manchester Derby

Manchester United and Manchester City will switch their focus from the Champions League to the Premier League when they meet at Old Trafford on Sunday in a derby that Louis van Gaal says will show whether United are true title contenders.

We are missing several keep players, particularly David Silva and Sergio Aguero but I don’t think that is any excuse.

“You have to ask the fans, it’s not so important who is the favourite”, Van Gaal told a news conference.

That fixture at the Emirates Stadium has assumed extra importance for Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker, who knows his side can’t afford to rest on their laurels following Tuesday’s vital Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

“When you look at the facts, they are first and we are second or third”.

City have 22 points, the same as Arsenal, but a better goal difference.

There were more yellow cards than chances in a first half during which United did not manage a single attempt on goal.

However, it is the Citizens who find themselves atop the Premier League after nine matches whilst their crosstown rivals sit comfortably in third place, just two points behind in prime position to capitalise on any errors by their great enemy. Maybe not three times a week for a whole season any more, but you do not have to think about retiring at 30. Here is what he thinks of the Premier League: “I didn’t expect that we would run through the league from the moment I started here”. There’s no standout teams at the minute, anyone can beat anyone.

Van Gaal said he is relaxed ahead of the match on Sunday, despite this being one of the most hyped up Manchester Derbies in recent memory.

“When the opponent is waiting for you and is more defensive you get more touches as the No.6”.

It might be significant that both are midfielders rather than strikers, though as Van Gaal said, Rooney, is both strong and adaptable. “If we play the way we know we can, then we can certainly take the three points”. “So we will have to see”.

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Defoe blasted himself into the affections of the Sunderland faithful in April when his volley handed the club a 1-0 derby victory over Newcastle United, but found himself on the bench for Allardyce’s first match in charge. I have always preferred small squads. “Here, we can play lots of derbies and I am very happy about that”.