Manchester United vs Manchester City preview - Jones relishing derby atmosphere - 7M sport

Manchester United vs Manchester City preview - Jones relishing derby atmosphere



I have a say

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by PA

Phil Jones is expecting the white-hot heat of a Manchester derby to eclipse the notoriously fractious rivalry between Burnley and Blackburn.

Those seething all-Lancashire tussles are the only real experience Jones has of a derby atmosphere.

The spite and venom on show in those contests came as a shock to the Premier League.

Yet even Chorley-born Jones feels that intensity will be surpassed at Old Trafford, as Manchester United entertain City looking for a win that would take them back to the top of the table.

"I played for Blackburn against Burnley and that was pretty hostile, although I would imagine this tops that one," said the 19-year-old.

"The atmosphere doesn't bother me too much. We've been away in the Champions League and played in hostile atmospheres.

"This is obviously going to be massive for both clubs. It means a lot to the fans. Hopefully we can get one over on them and make our supporters happy."

This particular meeting is given added spice by the fact the two Manchester clubs currently lie first and second in the table.

Chelsea will fancy their chances of gate-crashing the Mancunian party given their excellent recent form.

However, there is a sense within the United camp that City offer the greatest threat to their status as champions given the vast amounts of money Roberto Mancini has been able to spend in amassing possibly the strongest squad in Europe.

"They've had a lot of money to spend and have brought some quality players in," said Jones. "But we are just treating it as another game. All the papers are hyping it up. That's natural - it's a derby.

"But we can't afford to look at it like that. It's far too early in the season to start ruling out teams and trying to decide who's going to win the league.

"However, it would be a good confidence booster and if we concentrate on what we're good at I am sure we'll get the three points."

Sir Alex Ferguson has recalled Rio Ferdinand to his squad. The England centre-half was excused the Champions League trip to Romania in midweek, but is available and could partner skipper Nemanja Vidic for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Roberto Mancini has no intention of resting until Manchester City rival Manchester United for size.

City are for once in the ascendancy heading into a clash against their neighbours. The club have made considerable progress during Mancini's two years in charge and the Italian wants to maintain the current trajectory until City surpass some of Europe's great clubs.

He said: "I think that should be our target. When you have Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and you work for this, you want to be like them.

"I don't know in how many years we can do this but we will work for this. We want to become one of the top clubs in Europe."

City are two points ahead of United at the top of the table having won seven and drawn one of their eight games, scoring a remarkable 27 goals in the process.

Yet United are also unbeaten and with their statistics barely a shade worse - the Red Devils have struck 25 times - both sides have the potential to keep the other's goalkeeper busy.

Mancini said: "For all the games - scoring three or four goals - this game could finish 0-0, but I think both teams have very good strikers. We can score and they can score.

"I don't [need to] think about this match. I don't speak about it with the players because they know that it is difficult.

"On Sunday we will meet a strong team, but they know everything about it. I don't think they need me to speak to them about Wayne Rooney, Chicharito [Javier Hernandez], Nani. I think, for me, it is easy."

City have no fresh injury concerns. Striker Mario Balotelli returns after suspension in midweek while Owen Hargreaves, who made his league debut for City last week, will be assessed in a practice match before the game against his former club.

Carlos Tevez, the subject of disciplinary proceedings, is highly unlikely to be recalled.



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.