The Mother Of All Derbies

[Old Master]

Mother of all derbies

By NEIL CUSTIS
Last Updated: 28th April 2012

ALEX FERGUSON insists Monday’s title crunch with rivals Manchester City is the mother of all derbies.

Manchester United’s visit to the Etihad will be broadcast to a worldwide TV audience of 650MILLION — the biggest in Premier League history.

And United boss Fergie admitted: “This is the derby game of all derby games — whoever loses will be tinged with regret.

“It’s in the blood of the supporters and I know lots of fans who would give everything to win this game.”

His comments were echoed by City star Gareth Barry), who said: “People are speaking of this as being the biggest game in Premier League history and it’s a massive game to play in.

“I don’t think you can get away from the size of the game against United and the pressure.

“It’s not just on us; it will be on them, too. When the game is that big the pressure is on both sets of players and it will be down to who handles that best.”

There will be 16 broadcasters at the Etihad — a Premier League record — including ESPN Brasil, Canal+France, Abu Dhabi Media Company, Beijing TV and ESPN Star, which covers huge parts of Asia.

A City spokesman confirmed: “The interest in this game from around the world is unprecedented.”

Fergie added: “If one loses they are going to reflect on what may have been.”


Makes the 'Showdown' look a little unimportant, doesn't it?

[Con M]

You could almost call it the EPL's Grand Final, which the English are so opposed to.

[Squizzy]

Nothing like it. Which is why they won't call it that... That and they are opposed to it, of course.

[dudley]

man city away to newcastle the game after, so maybe a bit of over hype!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Con M]

Nothing like it. Which is why they won't call it that... That and they are opposed to it, of course.

But they don't mind having exciting play-offs @ Wembley for the 2nd & other divisions, eh Squizzy?

You're right of course - it won't happen. But just daydream for a half-second Squizzy: The EPL reduces from 20 teams to 18 and in those gained 4 rounds they play a stupendous do-or-die 3rd v. 4th knock-out, then 1st v. 2nd, then (winner of 3rd v. 4th) v. (loser 1st v. 2nd), then on to a grand FINALE for the season. A crowning Finale to the season being the operative word. All games sold-out @ Wembley.

The English have sadly devalued their F.A. Cup Final as it's showpiece final in recent years - this year the mugs have even moved it & further diminished it from it's traditional 3pm London-time kick-off to 5.15pm, Squizzy. So why not dream of a proper block-buster Grand FINALE one day?

[Ernie Cooksey]

Play-offs don't decide winners. Third place at best.

[Squizzy]

Play-offs don't decide winners. Third place at best.

I like your arguement ConM, honestly but I agree with Blueblood.

And... If it ain't broke, don't try and 'fix' it.

[dudley]

it aint the title decider, there are two games after, i think its premature

[pernunz]

man city away to newcastle the game after, so maybe a bit of over hype!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wigan gave them a masterclass. That third goal really was something.

[Drusetta]

Anyone know where this is being telecast, or how to watch on-line?

[ronaldo07]

Anyone know where this is being telecast, or how to watch on-line?

Hey Drusetta, you can watch it online via the following link:

http://www.ronaldo7.net/live/manchester ... tream.html

they have all the live match for united ... but game like this, it's better if u watch it on HD Projector screen somewhere else ..

I cant fking wait for tonight match !!

[Drusetta]

Thanks Ronaldo07 - it should be an absolute (fire) cracker of a match

[Frank Costanza]

City to win 2-1, but will not get maximum points from their last 2 games and United scrape through to win the title.

[matrightyeh]

going to be great cant wait

[ronaldo07]

City to win 2-1, but will not get maximum points from their last 2 games and United scrape through to win the title.

Thanks fortune teller

[Con M]

Play-offs don't decide winners. Third place at best.

I like your arguement ConM, honestly but I agree with Blueblood.
And... If it ain't broke, don't try and 'fix' it.

Why, thanks for dat, Squizzy. And because there's years of tradition to respect, I agree it not gonna change.

Almost makes you wish though that the last game of the season panned out to be 2nd versus 1st like this one almost panned out to be.

Honest though, the EPL SHOULD cut down from 20 teams to a manageable 18, then a finals series of sorts could be feasible.

My theory is that most Euro countries & Britain historically couldn't entertain the thought of a one-off final on one team's home ground & distance between teams played a part. That's why some countries had home-and-away Cup finals. Still, that flies in the face of having one-off finals like the F.A. Cup @ Wembley.

[robinfriday10]

Honest though, the EPL SHOULD cut down from 20 teams to a manageable 18, then a finals series of sorts could be feasible.

always the aussie version then a draft, give em half a goal for hitting the post/crossbar.

[El Capitano]

COME ON LADDS

FIRE

UPPPPPPPPPPPPPP


FARRRRRRRRRRRR KENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN........

[pernunz]

1-0, Kompany.

MCFC had the better of the first half, deserve to be 1-0 up.

[General Tony Cash]

1-0, Kompany.

MCFC had the better of the first half, deserve to be 1-0 up.

I agree, Utd won't score with that line-up. City to put a few more past them.

@ fergie and "we won't falter in the run-in".

[blurroske]

Galatasaray - Fenerbahce and the Old Firm.

[Los Del Eague]

BHahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

@ mardado...jimbob...ronaldo7 et al........Rebel Sports have got City shirts on offer, you can
Start following City now and ditch Utd now their glory years are behind them.
Marado.......you can add a City badge to your signatures to go with the other 3
But it's okay.........I look forward to you remembering the HISTORY and past glories just like you
Remind Liverpool fans about.
Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[The Kop]

Opta Sports ‏ @OptaJoe Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
0 - Man Utd failed to have a shot on target in a Premier League game for the first time since May 16th 2009 (v Arsenal). Feeble.

[Nice One Cyril]

Looks like SAF bottled it to me. Fancy leaving Valencia, Young, Hernandez, Welbeck on the bench. Experience is only great if you've still got the legs to go with it.

[robinfriday10]

[DOC]

the real derby was sunday night...

[pernunz]

I don't understand what Park Ji Sung's role was.

Normally, when SAF has turned to Park for the big games over the years, it's been to fill the role of the defensive winger. To try and nullify the threat of a really attacking full-back. Perhaps he thought Richards was going to start, but it looked like Park was playing in the hole behind Rooney, trying to pressure Toure. Very very ineffective.

[Bomber]

Still not over given last two games they still have to play

[General Tony Cash]

Looks like SAF bottled it to me. Fancy leaving Valencia, Young, Hernandez, Welbeck on the bench. Experience is only great if you've still got the legs to go with it.

Agree 100%.

[OldRedback]

I see that Fergie was accepting of the defeat with his usual grace.