Di Maria And Rojo Relishing First Manchester Derby

United duo Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo are excited to experience their first Manchester derby and having both played in similar clashes in other countries the pair say they are fully prepared for the passion and tension we can expect during Sunday’s match.

The Argentinian pair met up with compatriot and Manchester rival Pablo Zabaleta at a community event with the United Foundation in the city on Friday ahead of the derby meeting, with all three relishing the challenge at the Etihad.

Di Maria was pleased to see his good friend from across the city, but says friendships will be put aside come kick-off.

“Of course we’ll say hi and shake hands,” he told MUTV in reference to facing good pals Zabeleta and Sergio Aguero. “It’s great for us with the very good friendships we enjoy to be here together in the same city, in Manchester. When you’re outside Argentina it’s good to have friends here. But on matchday that friendship is put aside because it’s all about the shirt. They’re blue, I’m red and our friendship ends during the match. But off the pitch it’s great to have them here.

“Derbies are always that bit more complicated and are hard games because the rivalry between clubs is very high. They are intense and played in a very passionate atmosphere on the pitch and off it amongst the fans as well. I hope we come away very happy on Sunday.”

Like Di Maria, Reds’ team-mate Rojo will be doing his utmost to ensure Louis van Gaal’s men leave the Etihad with a positive result and is fully focused on stopping Aguero.

“It’s crucial to defend well against Sergio,” he insisted in an interview with MUTV. “Everyone knows he is a very fast player who can inflict damage. He’s very good at getting into dangerous positions. You need to be very focused and concentrated on his movement and be very aware of where he is and where he might put himself. You need to do throughout the 90 minutes.

“Sunday’s game is very important. City are a direct rival in the league. A win would be very important for confidence for the next few matches and would help us in a big way to carry on amassing points.”