Offside News

Sports

Fergie brands Manchester derby biggest in 25 years

Comment: 0 October 19th, 2011 by: admin

Sir Alex Ferguson recently deemed the upcoming clash between Manchester United and bitter rivals Manchester City the biggest derby since he joined the Red Devils.

Ferguson, who took the Man United reins in 1986, recalled how the rivalry between the neighbouring sides has intensified over the years.  The match set for Sunday between the two unbeaten teams will see the Red Devils attempt to reclaim first place in the Premier League, now held by City.

A win by United, who trail City by only 2 points, will return them to first place after being knocked off last week.

‘The last couple of years it’s become more intense and a lot more importance has been attached to the games,’ observed Ferguson.

‘With them top and us second, it builds up to a fantastic prospect for everyone.  I’m looking forward to it.’

The Red Devils failed to maintain their top position after City’s 3-point gain from a 4-1 win against Aston Villa Saturday eclipsed their 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Ferguson further commented, saying that high-profile derbies have become part and parcel of the game.

On the subject of City, however, he stated that their capability to hire the strongest players available possibly presents a new perspective as far as the competition is concerned.

‘The impetus City now have – they have a huge squad of players and the financial power to attract some of the best footballers in the world – actually changes the focus of the derby these days,’ he said.

‘The talking point isn’t so much the actual game but the dynamics of how Manchester City have changed football and what we do to compete with that.’

United will be facing their nemeses after coming off a 2-0 Champions League win against hosts Otelul Galati last Tuesday.

The win saw star player Wayne Rooney score both goals via penalty to become the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League history, with a total of 26.  This overtakes Rooney’s former teammate Paul Scholes’ 24 goals.

Weeks before Rooney’s performance Ferguson had declared his star player to be by no question capable of breaking the then-current record.

‘I do think he can eclipse that feat,’ the manager told reporters.  ‘He is only 25 years of age, so youd think he has at least another five years in him at the very top level.’

More