Solskjaer: We want to start on the front foot

Friday 05 November 2021 13:41

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Manchester United to start on the front foot in Saturday's derby match against Manchester City.

Victory for United would earn the Reds a crucial three points in the Premier League, and Solskjaer wants his team to be quick out of the blocks.

The Norwegian manager has a good record in games against City, winning more games against Blues boss Pep Guardiola than he's lost, a feat achieved by no other manager who's faced off against the Catalan on five or more occasions.

Last season's home derby at Old Trafford was hampered in its intensity by the lack of fans inside the ground. This season's will be very different.

 
Press Conference: Man City (H) Video

Press Conference: Man City (H)

Getting ready for the 186th Manchester derby with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's press conference...

"It's a special one of course," Solskjaer said of the game, when answering questions in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

"The last time we had a Manchester derby with fans in the stadium, the atmosphere was electric.

"I think everyone will still remember that one, probably more so than any dark moments we’ve had. When Scott [McTominay] scored that goal in added time, it was a special moment.

 

"We know it’s a one-off game, it’s one of those you have to start on the front foot, start ready, because a lot of it depends who gets on the front foot.”

United started quickly in the most recent meeting of the two sides, a 2-0 win for the Reds at the Etihad Stadium in March of this year. Bruno Fernandes scored after only two minutes and Luke Shaw delivered the same trick by netting just five minutes into the second half. It proved the perfect route to victory.

Asked about his good record against Guardiola, Solskjaer said he does look back to previous wins for inspiration going into this one.

"I've got a great respect and admiration for Pep and what he's done," Ole said.

"We've had a few good results, tight games, we need another performance like this. Sometimes you need luck, we know this is a game where we'll have to work hard but we have to believe.

"We're at home, we've had a few good results, we need to work hard and we have to earn it. We have to go into this game believing we can do good things. It’s a local derby and everyone knows what’s at stake.”

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