According to reports from The Guardian yesterday evening, Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United’s mid-week visit to CSKA Moscow puts them at a disadvantage for the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The Red Devils face Manchester City in the 170th Manchester derby this weekend, knowing a win would allow them to leapfrog ‘the noisy neighbours’ in the Premier League table and drastically increase their chances in this season’s title race.
But before United can consider the outcome of the 14.05pm kickoff at Old Trafford, they have the small issue of travelling to Russia to contend with first – something which manager Louis van Gaal believes gives City an unfair advantage.
The Red Devils meet CKSA Moscow at Arena Khimki in the Champions League this evening and face an eight hour round trip to get to the Russian capital, whilst City enjoy a home tie with Sevilla at the Eithad stadium.
It means Manuel Pellegrini’s side can begin preparations for the derby immediately, whilst United won’t touch down in England until Thursday afternoon.
In response, van Gaal told reporters yesterday; “Every club at the top of the league has the same problems. But now Manchester City has a benefit because they are playing at home and that is a difference. The next time we may have the benefit you never know.
“But it is important that it is like that because you can have the benefit. You have the benefit of the recuperation. Manchester City don’t have the travel we have. So they have more rest.
“There is nothing you can do. They have the benefit. We do a lot of things to try and help. We have cold baths, we have warm baths, less training sessions and practise so the freshness is good enough to beat City. But first we have to beat Moscow.”
The four members of Champions League Group B; CSKA Moscow, PSV Eindhoven, United and Wolfsburg; are all on three points after two games.
That is not an excuse mr coach because you can still practice else where. And man city have match in hand to play ,too.
It is a disadvantage for Man Utd but Manchester United will still go for glory.
mufc is becoming a treat under van gaal cant be compared wt the lykes of moyes reign they can repeat the horror to beat mcfc again
mufc is becoming a treat under van gaal cant b compared wt the lykes of moyes’ reign they might repeat the horror of last season yo mcfc… go mufc go …
We no fear united we stand!