EXCLUSIVE
DIE-HARD UNITED FAN TAYLOR OUT TO STUN DE BRUYNE & CO
JAKE TAYLOR has “hated every minute” of Manchester City’s success after playing for his beloved Manchester United as a kid.
The Port Vale midfielder grew up a United fan and trained with them as a youngster, right, from the age of nine to 16. He still loves the club despite being released by the Old Trafford club, which broke his heart.
Taylor has grafted his way back from his lowest ebb and is now starring at League Two Vale, scoring seven goals since a summer loan switch from Nottingham Forest.
But he still lives in Manchester with his family and journeys into enemy territory today after a plum draw for John Askey’s side against domestic treble winners City.
Taylor hopes to leave with fellow midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s shirt but is not sure he will be allowed any
City ‘contraband’ back into his United-mad family home.
Taylor, 21, said: “I was in the living room with my dad when the cup draw was on. As a United fan, I wanted them away but the second best draw was City.
“When I saw the draw I just started laughing, I was buzzing. It is some draw – the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup winners. It will be a great experience. “Every time I watch City, Kevin De Bruyne is probably the best player. He is unbelievable. If I got one of their shirts, I don’t think my family would be too happy but they wouldn’t blame me for asking for De Bruyne’s shirt – maybe it could be the Belgium one instead of City! Perhaps I will get MUFC on my Under Armour in case I score.
“I have hated every minute of City’s success.We had our glory days at United and I wish it was roles reversed and we had our glory days more recently.
“We were spoilt and didn’t appreciate it as much as we should have probably.”
Vale have thrived this season in League Two, beating many of the top promotion contenders.
Askey’s men play 4-3-3 and relish teams who go at them and leave space in behind. It has left them dreaming of a stunning upset at the Etihad.
Taylor said: “We need them to have a serious off day and we need to play out of our skins.
“We have done well against teams at the top of the league. I realise this is a different kettle of fish but hopefully we can perform well. Maybe we can hit them on the counter. City have shown how to play football and we like to play out from the back as well.”