united’s 6th defeat to (an under strength) City in a little over 7 years proved an explosive encounter both on and off the park. Here’s how the main actor’s saw it…
Roberto Mancini:
‘It is not a big advantage, but it is an advantage. Now I would say we have a 51% chance. I am happy with the result because we were behind after 20 minutes and I felt it could be difficult. But we recovered, scored two goals and played well. They had three or four chances but, in Shay Given, we have one of the best goalkeepers.’
VMC City Video Link: Mancio Post derby win
Taggart:
‘It is just the way these things happen. Football can be like that. It can bite you. We have had a few players leave the club and score against us. There is no issue. I am happy with the players we have got. We played well and dominated the match. We were reasonably in control but we had a mad five minutes before half-time that brought them back into the game.’
‘Everyone can see the penalty for themselves. It is the kind of decision that has gone against us tonight but could go for us on another day.
‘But with the crowd at Old Trafford and the occasion and what is at stake we will be okay.’
Shaun Wright-Phillips:
‘The fans drove us on and on and in the end it all came good. To hold on to the win was terrific but we know there is still a job to do at Old Trafford.’
Pablo Zabaleta:
‘Our reaction after the goal was great, though the last few minutes were unbelievable. We know that it will be difficult at United, but we have a chance. Old Trafford is a great stadium, and there will be a lot of pressure on us, but we have players with strong character.
‘We needed to give our fans a great game. I think everyone is happy. Beating United in the derby is real satisfaction, but the tie isn’t over. We need to play 90 minutes more to get to the final.’
Gareth Barry:
‘Obviously the talk was about Carlos before the game and he did his talking on the pitch with a great performance. That’s the way it’s written sometimes, and the way Carlos works, he deserves it.’
Carlos Tevez:
‘It was special for me – but it was for the fans of City.’
Gary Neville, Substitution Warm Up Buffoonery Specialist:
A wanky middle finger.
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