City hero out to steal spotlight from Rooney
London, Oct. 23: Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is relishing the chance to inspire his first derby victory against Manchester United when the Premier League leaders visit Old Trafford this weekend.
De Bruyne will experience the hostility and passion of the Manchester derby for the first time following his £ 55 million move from Wolfsburg in August.
The 24- year- old Belgian has already made a big impact at City and added to his popularity with the stoppage- time goal that clinched a crucial Champions League win against Sevilla on Wednesday.
From the Denis Law flick that effectively relegated United in 1974 all the way through to Mario Balotelli’s unveiling of his “why always me” t- shirt during a 6- 1 romp four years ago, City fans have always reserved a special place in their hearts for players who can inflict misery on the old enemy.
Now De Bruyne, who has five goals in nine appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, has set his sights on joining the select group of City stars who have tormented United.
“I am very excited. These are the moments you live for as a player,” De Bruyne said. “There will be a lot of atmosphere. Great games and derbies are the most important games for the fans. Hopefully we can do good on Sunday.”
City have won on three of their last four visits to Old Trafford, but they lost 4- 2 there last season, a result United surprisingly achieved without a goal from Wayne Rooney.
With 11 career goals in the Manchester derby, Rooney has been a constant menace to City and the United captain, whose brilliant overhead kick to win the derby in 2011, would dearly love to mark his 30th birthday on Saturday with another memorable contribution.
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.
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.
The Gunners have won their last three Premier League matches and Mertesacker said: “We want to play a part in the title race. We need to have a certain consistency otherwise it will be difficult.
“But if you get good wins against the good teams then it breeds confidence.”
After a dismal start to their title defence, Chelsea can only look on enviously as their rivals step up their bids to take the trophy from Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are languishing 10 points behind City in 12th place after a campaign scarred by lacklustre displays, rumours of dressing room rifts and outbursts from the increasingly tetchy Jose Mourinho.