Ex-Reds Preview Manchester Derby

Fresh from meeting fans and signing autographs at the Old Trafford Megastore during Friday morning’s release of adidas’s new ‘Stretford’ trainers, ex-Reds quartet Lou Macari, Mickey Thomas, Andy Ritchie and Arthur Albiston shared their thoughts on Sunday’s Manchester derby.

The form of both Manchester United and Manchester City, the importance of the fixture and Anthony Martial’s strong run heading into the weekend were among the topics discussed. Read what the former United stars had to say below…

On Sunday’s meeting at Old Trafford…

Macari: “It’s the first time in quite a while that the two teams have been close together and the result means not just the pride of Manchester, it means points that can help you go on and win the title. It’s vital on Sunday. We can go top if we beat them, so let’s hope we do that.

“You just feel the tension getting higher and higher and the pressure mounting on everyone connected with both clubs. When the players come down the tunnel, that’s when it really kicks in how important the game is with the noise from the crowd.”

Albiston: “The build-up has maybe been a little more muted because both teams have been playing Champions League games. Once they’re out of the way the build-up begins and it’s a vital game for both sides. We’re at home so the onus is on us to get three points out of the game.”

Thomas: “They’ll come in confident form. They’ve had good results of late, but we’re in good form as well after the Everton performance last weekend. I think we can go into the game with confidence. Derbies can go either way but hopefully we can get maximum points.”

Ritchie: “It really hinges on who turns up as teams at the moment. We can be fantastic and if we get that team out there, we’ve got a great chance. City have had their ups and downs and we hope it’s their down team that comes at the weekend.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere and there’s a lot of expectation around it. For us, we’ve got to go out and have a go at them. If we do, we could find ourselves above them in the league and the bragging rights would be ours.”

On Martial’s first Manchester derby…

Thomas: “Martial got a goal in midweek and he is a player City will fear, for sure. From day one he has hit the ground running and I want to see him perform in a derby. For any player to score a goal in the derby – I was lucky enough to score the winning goal in the 100th one – is a fantastic feeling. He’s scored against Liverpool already – can he eclipse that and score against City? I certainly hope he does.”

Ritchie: “I’m sure he’ll know the enormity of it and he will feel that coming into the game. It’s always been the biggest game for me. It’s a big game for him but he looks like he can handle anything. He’s a calm, cool, collected lad and if he manages to bag a goal at the weekend his stock will go up even more. He started off well with a great goal against Liverpool and he’s carried that on.

“He’s shown his versatility as well, playing wider in the last couple of games, which has shown a different side to him. His strength and holding-up ability is exactly what we need. Wherever he plays, you know you’re going to get something special out of him. He’s one of those players you always want the ball to go to because you think he can drop his shoulder, go past a couple of players and slot the ball into the net.

“He showed against CSKA Moscow the other side of his game. It wasn’t an easy goal but I thought it was more of a bread-and-butter goal for a centre-forward, getting around the penalty spot and heading in. I’m really excited about him. He looks a fantastic prospect. Considering he’s still got to grow, he can be a fantastic player.”

On Sergio Aguero and David Silva being unavailable for the match…

Macari: “I think sometimes when clubs are missing a number of star players it drives the other players on to make sure the players missing aren’t going to be a loss to the team. The players who come in rise to the occasion and take their chance. It’s always about what your team does and if our team can play at their very best, they'll win the game. I’m keeping my fingers crossed they can all perform.”