FOLD TRAFFORD
Solskjaer also called on his players to stand up and show some leadership between now and the end of the season. “That’s a big, big part of being a United player,” he added. “You can deal with the pressure and be a leader.
“But the proof is on the pitch. It’s got to be happening on the pitch. We’ve had some good meetings.
“There have been some words said – the truth – and there are players there who can stand up and show they want to help take this club forward.” PEP GUARDIOLA says Manchester City are no longer daunted by going to Old Trafford.
City went 34 years without a win at their neighbours between 1974 and 2008, but have won five of their last seven league visits.
Guardiola takes his champions on the short journey across Manchester tonight, needing a win to go back above title rivals Liverpool at the top. Even though the Catalan is expecting a backlash from United following their 4-0 defeat at Everton, Old Trafford no longer has a fear factor for City. “The reason why is the fact this club in the last decade grew a lot and it’s not scary to go there,” said Guardiola. “Before it was maybe more difficult. But the players Manchester City have had in the last decade have made this game a bit more equal.
“The only question is the Premier League, winning the title. “In the three seasons since I’m here, we did better than them, but here it’s about winning the title, not beating United.”
City are looking to make it 11 straight wins in the Premier League tonight, with the Blues four victories from making it back-to-back title triumphs. Tonight’s game represents the biggest hurdle to City’s
Manchester City to win 2-1 chances of retaining the title, with Guardiola expecting United to put up a hard fight.
“I expect the best United,” he added. “Football players try to do their best and that’s going to happen. We prepare for their strong points and weak points.
“It’s a derby and all the times we play against United, the derbies are always special games and the players do their best for the fans and the club.
“I know in the beginning how strong United will be in terms of their intensity and we’ll have to handle it. We did it in the past. We’ll try to do it again.
“United lost the last game 4-0 and I know what our reaction would be. That’s what’s going to happen tomorrow. We have to accept it – that’s the challenge.
“For me, United remain an incredible team, of course, the last 20 or 25 years always there, but the past three or four years can happen in terms of a long history.
“My opinion about United whenever we’ve played is top managers, good players, always the same. But the league is competitive, not just United.
“Burnley drew at Chelsea, Crystal Palace won at Arsenal, that’s why I’m so surprised we were able to reach 100 points last season.”
City will be without Kevin De Bruyne tonight, the midfielder suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Tottenham.
Guardiola hopes the Belgian can play “one or two games” before the end of the season and dismissed suggestions Riyad Mahrez could leave this summer over a lack of playing time.
Guardiola (left) said: “Riyad is happy, we are happy. Everyone knows the competition we have here.” Apr 12, 2015 UNITED 4 CITY 2 Oct 25, 2015 UNITED 0 CITY Sep 10, 2016 UNITED 1 CITY 2 Dec 10, 2017 UNITED 1 CITY 2