Wednesday Briefing: On to the derby

Following the disappointing 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig, which ended our campaign in the Champions League, the United manager was keen to look ahead to our next challenge: the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. 

"Of course, it’s a flat dressing room, then again, the next game is Man City on Saturday," the boss told MUTV after the full-time whistle at Red Bull Arena.

"So we have to pick ourselves up. We, as coaches, need to pick ourselves up and that’s the name of this game, the nature of this game. This becomes history very quickly and we have to look forward to what we can do about the next one."

Ole believes having such an important game is exactly what United need following Tuesday night’s narrow loss.

"You want a game as soon as possible," he emphasised.

"You want a big game. You want something to lift their spirits because it’s not easy. Going out of this tournament is very disappointing. It’s a hard knock to everything. I understand that, but I’m pretty sure we’ll be ready for Saturday again.

"As a footballer, you can’t feel sorry for yourself. You’ve just got to go and feel sorry for yourself for a few minutes tonight and then we’ve got to focus on Saturday. The boys have a massive game on Saturday and that’s the one they’ve got to look forward to and I’m going to look forward to."

Skipper Maguire shares the view of his manager.

"It's the perfect game to have," the central defender told club media.

"The boys are so disappointed, I've got to pick them up, the gaffer's got to pick them up. It's a massive game. There's no better feeling than winning a Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

"At the moment, we're disappointed but, tomorrow, we need to switch off  and try to recover and make sure we rest. Then, on Thursday, we prepare for a big game. We need to give the fans something to cheer about."

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY?

The players will have made their way back from Germany and it's all about recuperation as the attention quickly shifts towards the game with City, which kicks off at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.

We'll have highlights later of the Under-21s' 3-2 loss to Accrington Stanley - look out for another goal from Facundo Pellistri, and a stunner from Anthony Elanga.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?

There was obvious disappointment with the Champions League exit - and the Reds will instead play in the Europa League in 2021.

As mentioned, the Under-21s were also knocked out of the Papa John's Trophy but have again accrued some valuable experience in the competition.

We also found out when the Watford tie in the FA Cup third round will take place at Old Trafford.