MANCHESTER UNITED GOALKEEPER David de Gea says his side will go for broke during Monday night’s crunch clash with bitter rivals Manchester City.
United enjoy a three-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League, and with just three matches to play, know a repeat of October’s 6-1 humiliation at Old Trafford will see their advantage wiped out.
A draw would be enough to keep Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in control, but speaking to Goal.com, the Spaniard insisted the idea of targeting a stalemate hadn’t entered the team’s pre-match discussions.
“We won’t park the bus or try to get a point. We don’t know how to do it and that would mean giving them the advantage on the match.”“We are approaching this derby as a final because it really is, but we have more chances than them. They need the victory and that’s an extra pressure they could resent on the pitch.”
Though the destination of this year’s Premier League trophy likely rests on its outcome, De Gea anticipates a highly tactical encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
“I don’t expect a crazy match but rather a tactical one. This is not a knockout tie but a match in which a goal can give you the title, so we have to remain calm.
“This is the match of the season and we are planning up to the most minimal detail. We cannot fail.”
United face a City side who have scored 12 goals in their last three matches, but while he admits it will not be easy, De Gea is confident the Red Devils will rise to the occasion.
“Man City are very dangerous, especially attacking,” he said. “Silva and Tevez have clicked and that makes them create many dangerous chances. We have to stop those two if we won’t want to suffer on Monday.“The ambiance will be electric and the fans will be against us but I won’t be affected. I have played at the Bernabeu, Camp Nou, Turkey, Greece and Italy. I actually play better in these situations.”
A record 20th Premier League title would be a remarkable achievement considering United’s shaky form during the first half of the season, but since the turn of the year they have accumulated points with ruthless efficiency, De Gea himself playing a crucial role at the base of defence.
