DERBY D-DAY
DAVID de Gea is confident United can go to the Etihad tomorrow and cause an upset against City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will go into the clash against Pep Guardiola’s champions as underdogs having won just five of the opening 15 games of the new league season.
City have experienced mixed fortunes too having dropped points recently against Newcastle, however, a dominant performance against Burnley has put the team back on track.
But United’s win against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Wednesday night has given Solskjaer’s side the confidence they can go to the Etihad and pull off another big win.
“I think we controlled the game really well,” De Gea told ManUtd.com. “It’s a massive win for us and let’s see if we can keep this level and keep winning.”
“It’s a special game against Man City, the derby.
“Let’s see if we can win there. It’s a tough game but if we show the same as we did tonight (against Spurs) we will have chances to win.”
The Spaniard was also full of praise for Marcus Rashford who scored both of United’s goals as they beat Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side 2-1.
“Marcus is in very good form and showing his talent,” De Gea said.
“He is a great finisher.
“He scored two and could have scored even more goals.
“We are happy that he is scoring goals for us and playing as he is doing.
“He is a great player.”
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DAVID Silva wants City to continue the momentum against rivals United tomorrow as they look to build a winning run in the title race.
Victory at Burnley this week was only City’s second in six Premier League games, and it put Pep Guardiola’s men back on track as they attempt to chase down the 11-point gap to league leaders Liverpool.
There were celebratory scenes in the away dressing room at Turf Moor on Tuesday, with the City squad clearly viewing the 4-1 win as a significant one in their season.
Next up is United, themselves full of confidence after a win against Tottenham on Wednesday.
City have only lost once to United since 2016, winning both meetings last season.
Silva has seen first hand how the fixture can spur his team-mates on, and is looking for the same tomorrow.
Speaking to ManCity.com, he said: “We know the derby is important for the fans and us too as when you win, it gives you a morale boost.
“Every derby match is different, just like every season is different.
“You can see that regardless of what position either side is in the table.”
Silva has nine goals in 17 appearances against United, but is not looking to further his own record ahead of the team’s objectives.
“I have scored in some recent games, but it is not all about scoring.
It is about having a great game,” he continued.
“Taking the three points is the most important thing, if you score or assist that’s a bonus.
“The most important thing is the three points and to make ourselves and the fans happy with our performance.”
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