Herrera has started just three of Manchester United’s nine Premier League games so far this season, but has scored two and assisted one as he has impressed each time he is handed an opportunity by manager Louis van Gaal.
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A Rooney-inspired triumph would be especially timely as Louis van Gaal’s team will leapfrog City to the top of the table if they win and Arsenal drop points against Everton on Saturday.
City makes the short journey to Old Trafford for the 170th edition of the fixture with a slender two-point advantage over its rival at the summit, with United behind Arsenal on goal difference.
“I remember when I was in Munich we were always looking for that, but the other team at 1860 Munich didn’t play so well!”
Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League by drawing 0-0 away to Manchester United in a disappointing local derby on Sunday that only flickered into life in the dying stages. He felt that Manchester City would have nearly a day more than themselves to prepare for the high-voltage clash.
But given the circumstances of the game, given the nerves that will be surrounding such a big game coming into a crucial time of the season, both teams would be forgiven for taking a point if it were offered right now. The past 10 Manchester derbies in all competitions have seen 41 goals scored (4.1 goals per game). “When you look at the facts, they are first. I can imagine that because Manchester City have a lot of fans, but Manchester United has more fans so it shall be a battle”, the Dutch manager is quoted as saying by United’s official site.
The Argentina defender, fit again after a recent knee injury, said: “It was a massive win for confidence”. It’s a big step when we win that’s true but you also have to continue.
Both players have hit the ground running since arriving at their new clubs. We had a smooth flight, then we went to the training complex for recovery.
According to Oulala’s data, the 24-year-old has completed more successful passes per game (44 to 18) and has a better pass completion (78% to 72%) than Martial in the Premier League.
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The Mancunian Reds left it late to salvage a point out of the game after trailing through a Seydou Doumbia goal in the 15th minute of the game. “If you can compete (with City) we have to wait and see”, he said. “When you play football and you love this game, you are always thinking about getting better and better”.
