THE DERBY IS A MUST WIN
Last updated : 06 February 2003 By Editor
"It is imperative that we keep pace with Arsenal. We've got a game on Sunday
and, if we win the derby, we go level with them on points for a couple of hours
and it puts a bit more pressure on them going to Newcastle."
"It is in our hands. We've got to go to Arsenal still. We know if we win every
game we will be champions - and that's the position you like to be in. It's going
to be very difficult because they are a good side as well but I think all you can
ask for at this stage of the season is that you're in the hunt."
"That's the situation we always try to be in coming into February and March
but we know we need to keep the pressure on Arsenal. We've got a
momentum building now and I think Arsenal will be aware of us. I wouldn't say
they are panicking but they'll be aware we are not going to go away too
easily."
"The manager mentioned that you have to keep knocking on the door and
then hopefully it opens somewhere down the line."
"There was a time when we were struggling away from home. Around
Christmas we had two disappointing performances at Blackburn and
Middlesbrough. I don't know why it was but we are looking like we are going to
score more goals. But against Birmingham it was down to resilient defending
and a poached goal - and we've certainly got the best in the business in doing
that in Ruud van Nistelrooy."
"We've also got all our players back. Everyone is fit and raring to go. Apart
from Mikael Silvestre and Ryan Giggs, everyone has had a good rest this
season at some stage which means we are fresh going into the run-in. We've
got the league, the FA Cup, two Champions League games in a week with
Juventus and the Worthington Cup final all coming up in a short space of
time."
"From now on there is no respite for us - but if you are going to win trophies,
that's the way it is going to be."
"Sunday is a big game for us in more ways than one. Obviously it is a local
derby, but it is the same situation for us in terms of winning three points."
"We'll be extra determined against City because we need the win, and the
game at Maine Road was a bad result for us."
"It wouldn't surprise me if they went up to Newcastle in Sunday and won the
game, but all we can do is let them know that we are there and keep knocking
on the door."
