Leicester’s ‘Deep-down Red’ plots United’s fall
Ranieri has instructed his team to chase victory in each and every match, say fan Simpson
You can look at it in different ways. They (Man United) won’t want to lose again so they may be more hungry and more determined especially with them being at home”
Lifelong Manchester United fan Danny Simpson says champions Leicester City will go for broke at Old Trafford tomorrow, underlining coach Claudio Ranieri’s philosophy. The Italian has instructed Leicester to chase victory in each and every match, home or away, according to Simpson.
“I am sure he will give us the right game-plan to try and do that,” the right back said in an interview.
United ended a three-match losing streak by winning 3-1 at Northampton Town in the League Cup on Wednesday and Simpson believes that much will depend on the opening exchanges in their Premier League tussle at the weekend.
“You can look at it in different ways. They won’t want to lose again so they may be more hungry and more determined especially with them being at home,” the defender said.
“If we start well they might feel the pressure from their fans or the players might not have as much confidence.” United were beaten 3-1 at Watford last weekend, having lost 2-1 in the Premier League to neighbours Manchester City the week before and going down 1-0 at Feyenoord in the Europa League.
Professional contract
The 29-year-old Simpson, who committed his future to Leicester by signing a new three-year deal earlier this month, is a product of United’s Academy.
“I’ve supported United for as long as I can remember,” he said. “My uncle and my friends were Reds and I followed them.
“I was picked up by United’s youth scouts who had seen me playing locally on Saturdays and Sundays at Deans FC, the same club where Ryan Giggs was.” Simpson went on to spend four years as a professional at Old Trafford before being sold to Newcastle United in 2010 after a series of loan moves.
“I was fortunate enough to be playing for United as a kid and eventually got my first full professional contract and went on to make it into the first team,” he added.
“I was lucky enough to play with some of my heroes. I’ll always be a Red deep down.” United are seventh in the table with nine points from five games, four places above Leicester. Simpson knows that he and his defensive partners will need to keep a constant eye on United new boy Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“That’s why I’ve got big Wes (Morgan) and Robert Huth next to me. I’ll just look at them and let them deal with him,” he joked.
Danny Simpson | Leicester City