Title-chasing Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson accepts the derby clash with Manchester City at Eastlands on Saturday will be a “pivotal” game in the clubs’ respective seasons.
The Red Devils are going for a record 19th league title (13/2 Outright) after drawing level with Liverpool on 18 last season, with Ferguson’s men also looking to become the first outfit to win four Premier League crowns on the bounce.
But Ferguson concedes that top-four hopefuls City (4/9 Top 4 Finish) have their own agenda to fight for over the course of the remainder of the campaign, something which gives derby day a whole new twist.
The Scot said: “In over 23 years at United it is the first time we have played City when they have a chance of actually achieving something.
“Whenever we have played City they have always said they will beat us, whether it is a chairman, director or somebody else.
“That is what a derby game does. Supporters want to hear that.
“But this is a different game in terms of City’s position and you can be sure whatever happens it is going to be pivotal in terms of both clubs’ prospects for the season.”
Ferguson’s opposite number, City chief Roberto Mancini, claims the Blues are facing the most important run of games in the club’s 130-year history immediately after the United clash, as he looks to guide them into the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.
And the Italian concedes the ease of his summer transfer business will be decided by the outcome of City’s season.
He admitted: “It is important we finish in fourth because we can change the way we are going.
“It would put us in the Champions League next year and that would make it easier to get the players we want.”
The derby at Old Trafford finished 4-3 in United’s favour back in September when Michael Owen came off the bench to score the winner five minutes into stoppage time.
A win for United at Saturday lunchtime would see them close to within a point of leaders Chelsea who do not play until their evening encounter with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
But with four games to play Ferguson knows United’s title destiny is now out of their own hands following the 0-0 draw at Blackburn last Sunday.
Speaking after the game, he said: “It’s a blow, there’s no question about it. It makes it really difficult to win the league now.
“That is a fantastic result for Chelsea. It has slipped away from us.
“We have a lifeline if Chelsea blow it.”
Chelsea went on to beat Bolton in midweek to establish a four-point cushion with four games left for both themselves and United this term.
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