Sir Alex Ferguson expected Manchester City to make a flying start to the season but has vowed his Barclays Premier League leading side will be ready when they take on their rivals later this month.
Despite dropping just two points in their opening seven league games, finding the net on an incredible 24 occasions, Manchester United headed into the current international break boasting a single goal advantage over City, who have also drawn just once.
We'll be ready: Manchester United have already enjoyed success over rivals City in the Community Shield at the start of the season
It has certainly heightened anticipation for the first derby clash of the season, at Old Trafford on October 23, although Ferguson insists the Blues' fast start has not caught him by surprise.
'I've said all along that would happen,' Ferguson told Inside United.
'They are a good team and they were always going to be there or thereabouts.
'Sergio Aguero was bound to do well, coming into the Premier League, because he is such a goal threat around the penalty box. David Silva is also a very good player.
City slickers: Despite beating them at Wembley in August, Ferguson is not surprised United's rivals have started the new campaign so well
'We just have to make sure we are ready for City when we meet them.'
Previously, Ferguson has cheekily suggested Liverpool were United's true derby rivals.
Sheikh Mansour's £1billion investment in City has changed all that, with the plethora of stars working under the guidance of Roberto Mancini bringing an extra dimension to the fixture.
'All derbies are big now, that is the nature of the landscape,' said Ferguson.
'The impetus City now have - they have a huge squad of players and the financial power to attract some of the best footballers in the world - actually changes the focus of the derby these days.
Head-to-head: Sir Alex Ferguson wants to get a win over Roberto Mancini's men
'The talking point isn't so much the actual game but the dynamics of how Manchester City have changed football and what we do to compete with that.'
Yet, ahead of that game, the Red Devils must visit Anfield to face the team they deposed as England's most successful club in May, when they clinched a record 19th league title.
Liverpool have been difficult opponents to overcome in recent seasons though, with Dirk Kuyt bagging a hat-trick in last term's corresponding fixture.
Unbeaten start: Second-placed City have not lost in the league so far this season
'We have been poor there of late,' said Ferguson.
'On a couple of occasions we have been out-fought by them, which is disappointing.
'The atmosphere plays a part. Every time we go there it is as if it's the biggest game of the century.'
No comments:
Post a Comment