Lingard: Manchester Needs To Be Red

Jesse Lingard is expecting a battle in the derby this weekend but is hoping Manchester is red come the final whistle at Old Trafford.

The England international is in sensational form and was instrumental in the big away wins at Watford and Arsenal, and he appreciates the Reds must be at our best if we are to end the Blues' unbeaten domestic run this season.

United's flawless home record gives extra cause for optimism and, with Pep Guardiola's men currently eight points clear at the top of the table, the outcome could have a major bearing on the title race.

"I am confident," he told United Review, Sunday's official matchday programme. "It’s two great teams going out there and you don’t know what the game is going to be like. It might be a battle; it might not be pretty. But if we come out on top, it’s always good for the city of Manchester. We need to make sure that Manchester is red at the end of the day. Like us, they have lots of big players.

"When [Kevin] De Bruyne’s on the ball, he’s always got that eye for a killer pass that can put a player one-on-one with the keeper, and Raheem Sterling’s been popping up with the late goals. It’s going to be full-on for 90-plus minutes. We need to be on point until that whistle goes, so everyone needs to stay highly-concentrated throughout. As long as we start the game well, like we did at Arsenal, I don’t see any reason why we can’t win."

The Warrington-born Red came through the ranks competing in Manchester derbies at all age levels and understands what the game means. Any friendships with the Blues go out of the window once matchday comes around.

"You know quite a lot of them [City’s Academy players] growing up, and through the England set-up as well," he continued. "I’m good friends with Raheem [Sterling] off the pitch. But when you’re on the pitch, there are no friends and we’re there to do a job and win the game."