Vincent Kompany’s small-time approach to Manchester derby

So it seems there’s a new title to be earned. One that has been recently created by the defending champions, much popularly known to United fans as the noisy neighbours. The winner of the Manchester Derby would now be crowned the Champions of Manchester… Or so their captain has made his side believe.

“A derby is a derby,” said Vincent Kompany. “I don’t think we could care less about the league in that game. It is about who is going to be champions of Manchester.” With an unbelievable 15 points behind Manchester United, City’s captain also proved their “massive club” mentality as he continued, “It will be like a cup final. There will be everything in it.”

United were recently knocked out of two competitions which may have won a treble or at least a double this season. The game-changing red card for the Reds that were dominating a Champions League game against Madrid went horribly wrong. A below par performance at Stamford bridge lead to an FA Cup exit. It seemed for a moment that the title was the only thing going for us, until Kompany began rambling…

All around the world, this is one game we all look forward to. Even if it is City, United or neither teams that you support, the Manchester derby has become more intensified and much more competitive in the recent years. The media, of course will blow it way out of proportion thus mounting enormous pressure on players from both sides. In short, this has become “the game” of any Premier League season. One man who choses not to be overwhelmed by all the speculations and anticipations is our very own captain Vidic.

“I never speak with an opponent before a game,” he said. “I am good friends with Kolarov and Nastasic. But I don’t like to talk. I like to go there and do it. On game day I think about the game, I don’t waste energy before the game starts, otherwise you end up tired.”. Although Vidic – obviously looking forward to get a full 90 minutes against City – is a major doubt in this game, United were handed a boost by the return to training of Wayne Rooney and our young and energetic right-back Rafael.

Sir Alex Ferguson also mentioned in his press conference that he does not intend to rest Robin Van Persie for the game.