Micah Richards vows to snuff out Wayne Rooney in Manchester derby
Posted Saturday, October 22, 2011 by The Sun
WON THAT GOT AWAY ... Micah Richards can only look on as Wayne Rooney's amazing overhead kick wins the derby for United last season
MICAH RICHARDS will never forget Wayne Rooney's sensational winner in last season's Manchester derby — even though he would like to.
How could he when he gets reminded of it almost every time he turns on his television.
Richards was closer than anyone when the United striker produced a jaw-dropping overhead kick which flew into the top corner.
So close, in fact, that he nearly got his head taken off by his England team-mate's flying boot.
The Goal of the Season ended City's title hopes and Richards just wanted to go home, lick his wounds and feel sorry for himself.
But, not surprisingly, it was shown over and over again on Sky Sports.
In fact, they liked it so much, they even based an advert on it.
Eight months on and Richards admitted: "Of course I still remember it — how can I forget it?
"I get reminded of it nearly every single day when I see the advert for Sky+.
"Vinny Kompany just slips at the wrong moment and I came across to try to do the header — but it didn't reach me.
"It was an outstanding finish, an amazing goal. Every time I see it I wonder if I could have done something differently — I could have thrown myself full length at the ball I suppose.
"But as I always say, it was actually Vinny's man — I was meant to be taking the back post so I don't beat myself up about it.
"He was the one who got the stick after the game anyway!
"It was hard to take that we'd lost such a massive match but you can't deny it was a terrific goal."
Richards is keen to make sure tomorrow's Manchester derby will not be quite so memorable for the United striker.
He added: "Wayne still likes to remind me about it — he still feels full of confidence. But so do we.
"He won't be doing it again though, we'll be trying to keep him quiet this time.
"I think Nigel de Jong will be looking to man-mark him."
Richards, 23, is City's longest-serving player with 198 appearances so he knows only too well how special derby day is.
The Blues have won only once at Old Trafford since 1974 — but Richards was part of that 2-1 triumph in February 2008.
When he looks down the team sheet from that day, it convinces him there is no reason why they cannot do the same again.
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