adminThe match kicks-off at 9pm.
Runaway English Premier League leaders United are 15 points ahead of defending champions City and victory in the Manchester derby would more or less guarantee a record 20th English top-flight league title for the Red Devils.
“We have to get used to playing Manchester City in big games and that’s the case again,” Ferguson told the Manchester United website. “The important thing is to win Monday’s game.
“It’ll be a big game for City. They’ll want to come and derail us for a spell. We’re at home and our consistency is there for all to see. I expect us to perform really well on Monday.”
Even though his side’s huge advantage at the top of the table has taken some of the drama out of the latest Manchester derby, United manager Ferguson does not believe the clash will lack passion.
“It shouldn’t be any different really. I think there will still be a great intensity about the game,” Ferguson said.
“It will be captivating in the sense that it will be shown all over the world.
“It’s a Monday night game and the only game on. Therefore that does seep into fabric of what the game will be like on Monday. For both teams, you can’t dismiss that.
“I think the important thing is winning the game against City. It will be a big game for them also in the sense they want to come and show some pride.
“And I can understand their motivation and we would probably have the same. We are at home, our consistency in the league is there for all to see and I expect us to perform well on Monday.”
Ferguson was asked to explain why City have not provided more of a challenge this season, but the United manager preferred to focus on qualities of his own players rather than criticise Mancini’s men.
“I couldn’t answer that. We have focused on ourselves and you have to give the players credit because their focus and team spirit has been very good,” Ferguson added.
“The concentration in every match has been good. The only thing I said at the start of the season was make sure we don’t lose out on goal difference again.”
Ferguson’s side have suffered a couple of setbacks in recent weeks – they were knocked-out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in March and lost an FA Cup quarter-final replay 1-0 at Chelsea last Monday – but their form in the Premier League has been merciless.
United (25-2-3) are unbeaten in 18 league matches – with 16 wins and two draws in the run. They have also kept clean sheets in their last six league outings.
The Red Devils have scored at least once in their last 61 home Premier League games, dating back to a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in December 2009.
One concern for United has been a lack of goals in recent matches from star striker Robin van Persie.
The Netherlands international, who has scored 23 times for the Red Devils this season, has gone nine games without a goal. His last goal for United came in the 2-0 Premier League win over Everton on February 10.
However, Ferguson expects van Persie will soon rediscover his goal-scoring touch.
“He doesn’t need a rest that’s for sure, he’s a strong lad with great physique,” said Ferguson. “The goals will come, all strikers have dry spells and you hope it ends quickly, it’s part of being a striker.”
Manchester City (18-8-4) bounced back from a 2-0 defeat at Everton a fortnight ago by thrashing Newcastle United 4-0 at home last weekend, but their recent away form has been disappointing, with just won win in five road matches.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, insists his team will use tonight’s derby to show they are still Manchester United’s equals even though the Premier League title is destined for Old Trafford.
With United 15 points clear of second-placed City, Mancini has been forced to concede his side’s reign as champions is all but over.
Yet there is still plenty to play for at Old Trafford, with United looking to move closer to confirming their title triumph and City desperate to inflict a bloody nose on their bitter rivals.
City supporters will never let United fans forget their 6-1 win at Old Trafford last season and another victory on enemy territory would at least partially ease the pain of surrendering the title and prove they can hold their own against the champions-elect.
“To win 6-1 is impossible,” Mancini said. “This can happen every 100 years. But we don’t deserve to stay 15 points behind United.
“They play well, they win a lot of games, the last time they lost was at Norwich (in November), so they deserve to stay on the top. But it is not a true table. Now we have eight games left. If we play well, we win a lot of these games, maybe we can reduce this gap. This should be our target,” he said. — Soccernet-AFP.
Online Reporter