Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has spoken ahead of the Manchester derby against Manchester United, describing Sunday’s clash as a special match.
City will travel to Old Trafford aiming to maintain their strong form and strengthen their position at the top of the table. Maresca’s side have recorded four consecutive victories in all competitions, while they defeated Porto 2-0 in the Champions League in midweek, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals.
At his pre-match press conference, Maresca spoke highly of Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, saying he has done an excellent job.
“I believe he has been doing a fantastic job since last season. He took over the team in a complicated situation, but he finished the season very well. This season, more or less, started in the same way, so he is doing a very good job,” Maresca said.
Speaking about the importance of the derby, the City manager stressed that the fixture carries special significance for the club and its supporters.
“It is very important for different reasons. We know how important the derby is, especially here for the club, for the fans, for everyone. It is a special match,” he said.
Maresca added that his focus is not on the fact that this will be his first Manchester derby as a manager, but on maintaining the team’s positive results.
“Of course, I want to win the game, but that is because we want to keep winning. That is good for everyone. Hopefully, this season it will be a good game for us,” he said.
Maresca also spoke about midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who will experience the Manchester derby for the first time this weekend.
The Argentine contributed to the victory over Porto by providing the assist for Haaland’s opening goal, while his manager praised his development and contribution to the team.
“He is improving a lot. Over the last two years, he has become more of an attacking midfielder. Before, he played a little deeper. I think he is outstanding around the box, in terms of goals and assists, but also in terms of leadership,” Maresca said.
He added that Fernandez is increasingly showing the mentality of a winner and that daily work remains the key to success.
Manchester City and Manchester United will face each other on Sunday at Old Trafford in one of the biggest matches of the Premier League season.
