Silva confident as derby looms

David Silva
12 April 2012

David Silva has warned Manchester United they will come off second-best in the Manchester derby at Eastlands on Wednesday night.

Manchester City go into the match in confident mood after ending a run of three successive defeats at West Brom, and the former Valencia playmaker makes his derby debut expecting to pick up a win bonus.

"This is a game we believe we can win," said Silva on City's official website. "This is a hugely important match for us.

"We know a victory would put us on the same points as they are. We are at home and will have our supporters behind us so the advantage is with us. We need to use the atmosphere and take the game to them."

"I watched the Manchester derby as a boy and have always enjoyed it since. But I never imagined I'd be actually playing in it. I always thought I would play my football in Spain so this is very exciting for me and I am very happy to be part of it."

United held the upper hand last season with back-to-back victories in the league thanks to late goals from Michael Owen in the first game and then Paul Scholes in the second.

City were left cursing their luck in the Carling Cup semi-final as well after a 2-1 first-leg victory. United, however, secured their passage to Wembley thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Wayne Rooney in the return.

Manager Roberto Mancini believes City deserve respect from their fierce rivals despite their 34-year stint without a trophy.

"Not just United, but all the clubs must respect the players and the history of City," said the Italian. "In the last years, City haven't won anything, but they have a good history.

"We have respect for United and we want them to have it for us always. The number of trophies [a team has won] isn't important. Respect is more important."

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