Earlier this season, the Manchester Derby between United and City was shown in 190 countries. Now the Red Devils brace for another match-up against a hated regional rival coming off an international break. The long break, and the doldrums that accompany it, gives extra pause to hype up a game that will already be brimming with excitement.
Ahead of Monday night’s rivalry clash with Liverpool, both teams issued a joint statement warning potential bad apples in the two supporters groups not to act up. Those who are malfeasant, will be ejected and potentially prosecuted under the letter of the law.
United Manager Jose Mourinho also discouraged fans from participating in the deplorable Hillsborough Disaster and Munich Air Disaster taunts which have unfortunately resurfaced at recent prior meetings of the two sides.
That’s just a very very small group of despicable people though, most fans embrace the rivalry with some respectful class. Mourinho is extremely excited for the huge game atmosphere.
The Portugese told reporters: “I have to feel it, to play it, and then take my conclusions, but I have been in England for a long time.
“Obviously I have never played this match, but I played many times against Liverpool, many times against Manchester United, I understand the dimension of the clubs, and now I understand better the dimensions of two big historical rivals.”
“I go there to play my game. I go to do my work and normally I do enjoy my work there.”
“It is just a big match. It can be comparable to Inter vs Milan, Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Benfica vs Porto — these kind of matches — and I like it.”
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However, Jose Mourinho also measured those comments by reminding everyone that it’s just one game, not the whole season. Thus, encouraging fans not to overreact:
“The season for me is not about the Anfield match and Old Trafford match in January. I think, the season is about many matches, many points to win, many points to lose and targets to achieve.”
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, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication andBold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous radio and television talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram and Sound Cloud.