Louis van Gaal believes Manchester City are less awkward opponents for Manchester United than Aston Villa because of their style of play and the fact his players require no extra motivation for Sunday’s 169th derby.
United defeated Villa 3-1 last Saturday, a victory that was a relief to the manager because he thought the visitors’ long-ball style might prove difficult for his side.
Van Gaal is also clear that given the fierce rivalry with City his team should have no problems focusing on the game as they may have done when facing the Midlands club.
“Villa were more defensive but I don’t expect City shall play as defensively as Villa did, and then you need a lot of focus and concentration on our defence,” he said on Friday.
“A long ball is very difficult to defend. But against City I don’t expect very much long balls – and that is why I have less fear against City, in spite of the loss in the last game [against them].
“On Sunday we have to wait and see if we can continue our good shape against City. I had more fear for Villa than City because every player shall be motivated and want to win.”
On 2 November at the Etihad, United lost 1-0 with Chris Smalling sent off in the 39th minute. Five United players have seen red this season – Luke Shaw, Ángel di María, Wayne Rooney, and Tyler Blackett are the others – while Jonny Evans was suspended for six matches for spitting.
Van Gaal said five red cards was the highest number any team of his has received in a single campaign during his 24 years as a manager.
Given this and the heightened atmosphere of a derby the Dutchman will speak to his players beforehand about controlling their emotions.
“I do that always, that is not different. I have started our preparation with [talking about] the red card – [though] not the red card of Smalling,” he said.
“I am always warning in these kind of games that we have to control our emotion. We have five red cards, unbelievable. It is a record in my career as a manager. That is not good.
“Control of emotions is a talent of a player. It is a talent. You have a lot of talents to have to be a professional player and you know when you have already a yellow card you don’t have to make a second foul to get a second [card]. You have to know that. But also that goal is a learning process.”
Van Gaal said Robin van Persie and Shaw are not yet match fit after their injuries.
