Nani: I’ll down Manchester City

Posted Thursday, October 20, 2011 by The Sun

Nani: I’ll down Manchester City
ON A MISSION ... Nani

NANI is ready to silence the noisy neighbours and prove he is one of Manchester United's big-game players.

The Red Devils go into battle with Roberto Mancini's table-toppers at Old Trafford on Sunday in what boss Alex Ferguson has billed as the biggest Manchester derby he has ever known.

After scoring three goals against them in the clubs' last three meetings, Nani is determined to be the decisive factor.

The Portuguese winger said: "Every time we play a big game like this, we have a lot of motivation and the preparation is always different for derby games.

"All the players want to play in these games, especially me.

"My confidence for these games is high and I feel comfortable in these sort of games. I like the pressure these games bring and every year the games against City seem to get more important.

"We usually play well against them and I hope I can make a contribution to make sure we win on Sunday.

"I have been working hard and waiting for these big games because I believe I have the quality and mentality to play in them."

Nani scored the first in United's 2-1 win over City in this fixture last season which was memorable for Wayne Rooney's incredible overhead kick winner.

Nani said: "I scored a good goal but Rooney's was even better. I feel confident and comfortable I can score against them again."

He did just that to win the Community Shield in August and exact some revenge for United's defeat in last season's FA Cup semi-final.

City have improved this season and Nani knows his side are in for a battle. But with a club-record run of 19 home league wins behind them, the Portugal star is confident of the outcome.

He said: "City are playing well. They have a good team, they have good players, they are doing fantastic and, of course, it will be more difficult than other games.

"But we are playing at home and that is a big factor for us. We have a fantastic home record.

"Whenever we play the big games, we have a positive attitude and want to win.

"All the players have forgotten about last season's semi-final, especially as we beat City in the Community Shield at Wembley at the start of this season.

"It's important we remember that, rather than the semi-final or any other games we lose."

United keeper Anders Lindegaard believes it is far too early to build Sunday's derby into a title decider.

The Danish international said: "Four games ago, I would have said the title was between City and United. But Chelsea seem to be going well now, so you can't say it is just about the two Manchester clubs. It is too early.

"I have to say City have looked very good this season. They have quality players in all positions and two for each one, just like us.

"There is no doubt it is going to be a tight race this year."

Old Trafford defender Chris Smalling was delighted to get a run-out at centre-half in Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League win against Otelul Galati in Bucharest.

Smalling, 21, has been a revelation at right-back this season and has forced himself into the England team in that position.

The former Fulham star said: "It was nice to be back in central defence. That is my favourite position and I want to play as many games as I can there.

"But if I can contribute in any way, I will just give my best."

Smalling was surprised to see his defensive partner Nemanja Vidic red-carded in Bucharest after a second-half challenge on Gabriel Giurgiu, which means the Serbian will be banned for at least United's next Champions League game.

Smalling said: "I saw the incident from behind. I didn't expect the red card but, in Europe, they are a lot more harsh."