Last season down the stretch, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera said that his side is better than their rivals and “noisy neighbors” Manchester City. Herrera was confident that United would edge out City in the end and procure that all important fourth place position.
Obviously, it didn’t work out that way, nor did it work out to Herrera and his teammates advantage in the first Manchester Derby in September (literally be the most expensive derby ever), which was broadcast in 190 different countries.
Later in the season, Ander Herrera said he hoped for revenge against City in the EFL Cup, and indeed this time red triumphed over blue.
Herrera is making bold, passionate statements again. He wants the teams above them, which include City, to fear United’s improved form as of late, and be on notice that the Red Devils are coming to make a push for the top four. Sixth place United, undefeated in their last 15 Premier League matches, are currently just two points behind Arsenal for fourth, four behind City for third, and five behind Tottenham Hotspur for second.
“That’s what we want,” Ander Herrera said when asked if the teams above them should be concerned about his side.
“I think the fight with the first six teams in the league — and I add also Everton because they have a very good team — will be very tough. We all want to be in the top four and there’s still a lot play for, but I think we are in a good moment.
“They can see ‘Man United is chasing us. It is true that we did not win three games in a row before Leicester, but the feelings were good.
“I think we deserved more away at Stoke and against Hull at home, so I think we are in a good moment.”
The title race is long over. Chelsea have got it wrapped up. The race for the other top three slots though is heated, and two of the big six clubs will be left out when all is said and done.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, Bold and the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, appears regularly as a guest on CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN.
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