A MUST WIN SITUATION

Last updated : 09 February 2003 By Editor

This from the MEN on how United must perform against our bitter lesser rivals this lunchtime.

After the No-contest Nineties, the derby match is back.

Such was United's dominance in that decade, and such was the poor quality of City, that derby games became a case of how many the Reds would win by.

Even when City took a two-goal lead in 1993-94, you still felt United had it in them to win the game - which they duly did. The events of November 9, 2002, changed all that. It gave City fans their self-belief back, and put a dent in a United superiority complex which had been hardened by 13 glorious years.

Kevin Keegan and his team can take some of the credit for their sheer will to win, and for performing well on the day. But the more honest Blues admit that United were desperately poor that day - and the fact that top-line players like Roy Keane and David Beckham were missing is no excuse.

City have been taking credit for the fact that since that day United have been in imperious form and Fergie has said the 3-1 defeat may have been the kick in the pants his team needed. Since that last derby day, United fans have had a grand old time with Liverpool, Arsenal and Deportivo all feeling the sharpness of the Reds' re-forged cutting edge.

But for United fans, especially those who live in the city, there is still a sore festering away which even the Quadruple could not heal. City must be beaten tomorrow (Sunday) to restore Red pride and to put Manchester football back on its axis.

A few of the "foreigners" in the United side appeared to be a little shocked at the angry reaction of United fans to the dismal display at Maine Road. They are no longer under any illusion about what is required from everyone who pulls on that famous red shirt tomorrow - a win and be sure to make it a good one.