Manchester United recorded a famous victory over their cross-city rivals Manchester City earlier this weekend as they closed the gap to just one point between the two sides.
The win was United’s ninth straight victory in all competitions and Erik ten Hag’s men have given themselves license to dream ahead of next weekend’s mouthwatering clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
As opposed to past meetings between the clubs, there was no inferiority complex on the red side this time. United sensed that they were able to go toe-to-toe with their bitter rivals and deservedly claimed three points.
United’s twelfth man, the Old Trafford faithful, was at their brilliant best once again and Luke Shaw has become the latest player to hail the unconditional support.
“It’s incredible,” Shaw is quoted as saying on the official Manchester United website when quizzed on the raucous atmosphere at Old Trafford.
“For me, I’ve been here a long time now, I think eight years. For me, today, the atmosphere was the best I’ve been involved in.
“It shows the fans are with us, they’re pushing us in the right direction, and I hope they really enjoyed it today. We love the atmosphere; we love them being there and we are glad to be making them happy again.”
Shaw has deputised in an unusual role in recent weeks and although it may have seemed like an emergency solution at first, Ten Hag’s persistence with playing Shaw at centre-back has given the Dutchman a selection headache.
Tyrell Malacia was another player who reached new heights in the derby and it would be surprising to see him drop out for the next game but Lisandro Martinez will be itching to return.
Nevertheless, it’s a good issue for Ten Hag to battle and supporters are almost obliged to dream of a title charge now. They must, however, travel to Selhurst Park and extend their winning run first.
