Bruno Fernandes insists Manchester United do not fear Man City ahead of derby
Manchester United have nothing to fear from Saturday’s Old Trafford derby, Bruno Fernandes insisted on Friday night.
United have only lost once in 18 games since they were thrashed 6-3 by Manchester City at the Etihad in October.
Fernandes is set to lead Erik ten Hag’s side into Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, and the Portugal star is convinced that United can go toe-to-toe with the champions.
‘Man City are one of the best clubs in the league, but it is about believing in ourselves,’ said Fernandes. ‘Now probably you can see a team that has a way to play that convinces the fans and the players it is the right one that can win games.
‘You go into every game and the feeling you have now is that we are not afraid to play against anyone. In the past you couldn’t see that. When the toughest games were coming, there was a little bit of “can we do it or not?”.
‘But now if you look at the fans, the players, everyone, you feel that we can play face-to-face with everyone at this moment. We know what this game means for everyone in the city, in the club, for the fans, for ourselves. It’s been a good moment for us.’
Diogo Dalot has been ruled out of the game and United will make a late decision on Anthony Martial’s fitness having failed to complete Wout Weghorst’s loan move in time for the Holland striker to face City.
But Ten Hag still believes his team will be a match for Pep Guardiola’s side as United go for the win that would close the gap between the two clubs to one point.
‘I am convinced our players are good enough to compete with all the players from Manchester City,’ said Ten Hag.
‘If you want to win trophies you have to compete with the best and City are the best, so we look forward to challenging them.’
The United boss confirmed that Donny van de Beek will be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee. The Dutchman was injured against Bournemouth earlier this month, but did not damage his cruciate ligament.
‘It is terrible when you are in a season and you get a bad injury,’ added Ten Hag. ‘He will be back I think for the start of pre-season.’
