Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca backs Elliot Anderson’s “kings of Manchester” claim ahead of derby
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has backed Elliot Anderson after the midfielder described City as the “kings of Manchester” ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.
Anderson’s comments have added extra spice to an already highly anticipated fixture at Old Trafford.
The midfielder, who joined City from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million, pointed to City’s dominance over Manchester United during the past decade and beyond.
City have won eight Premier League titles during the period, compared with United’s one, giving Anderson a statistical basis for his argument.
Maresca defended his player’s comments, suggesting that Anderson’s opinion reflects the football environment he grew up watching.
The upcoming derby will be Anderson’s first since making the move to Manchester City, making the occasion particularly significant for the midfielder.
City enter the game with an additional advantage in terms of preparation. They had two extra days to recover after their Champions League victory over Porto, while United played their European match against Sabah on Thursday.
Maresca has nevertheless dismissed suggestions that the fixture schedule should become an excuse.
Manchester City will also welcome back Nico O’Reilly after his recovery from a back injury, although Jérémy Doku remains unavailable because of a calf problem.
For United, the match represents an opportunity to respond directly to Anderson’s comments.
Manchester derbies have historically produced intense battles, and the latest meeting promises to be no different.
City will want to demonstrate their continued dominance, while United will be desperate to prove that the balance of power in Manchester can change.
Anderson’s “kings of Manchester” comment has therefore added another storyline to the fixture.
Whatever happens on Sunday, the midfielder has already ensured that the derby will have plenty of talking points before the teams even step onto the pitch.
