Despite continued struggles in the 20-club Barclays Premier League, Manchester United holds firm belief they’ll be able to take down rival Manchester City in the upcoming Manchester Derby. Set to meet their BPL foes Tuesday afternoon at the famed Old Trafford, the Red Devils will surely be looking for the outright win as they continue their charge toward the top portion of the table. Solidifying a first four position at season’s end is crucial since each of the top four finishers will automatically qualify for the 2014-2015 UEFA Champions League and even though United is out of the race to defend their league title, first-year boss David Moyes and company know there is still plenty at stake.
“We want to try and perform better in the bigger games than what we have done,” the former Everton coach said ahead of the Derby. “It will be important for us to show the level of what we have got. I think we have got the level and we are not as far away as many people would have us and I have no doubt it will improve. We want to show we are still in there fighting. We will do everything we can to win. We go out to win every game, not just the derby game. Obviously it means a lot more to the supporters and the city if you win a derby game.”
United will enter the final Manchester Derby for the 2013-2014 campaign as underdogs, especially since they dropped their first match against City 4-1 back on Sept. 22 at Etihad Stadium. Surrendering three second half goals to Yaya Touré, Samri Nasri and Sergio Agüero -- who also notched the game’s opening goal in the 16th minute -- Man U never gave themselves a chance to overcome the early tally by Agüero, with their only goal coming off the foot of Wayne Rooney in the 87th minute. Sitting 11 points behind fourth place Arsenal after earning just 51 points in 30 league matches, the Red Devils will need major performances from key stars such as Wayne Rooney, especially since Robin van Persie is out for the next month-plus with a sprained knee.
“I don't know if he'll be the key man because this game has got many top-class players in it, but he is certainly one of them,” David Moyes said of Rooney. “His form throughout the season has been very good and his goal against West Ham capped it all off. He has a real appetite back again. On Saturday he showed what he is about. He has a big energy back again. Everyone who knew Wayne Rooney from old in his early days would say one of the biggest things was that he had big energy and a big heart, and if you get Wayne playing like that, well, the rest of his football takes care of itself.”
Manchester United vs. Manchester City: DATE, TIME & VIEWING INFO
DATE: Tuesday, March 25
TIME: 3:45 p.m., ET
TV COVERAGE: NBC Sports Network
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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