Manchester derby ahead.... United boss Louis van Gaal sends warning to local rivals Manchester City ahead of Old Trafford derby clash





Manchester United have not beaten City at Old Trafford since Wayne Rooney's wonder goal in February 2011 

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scored in his side's 1-0 win over United back in November
Manchester United picked up all three points at the weekend by beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford
Manchester United picked up all three points at the weekend by beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford
Louis van Gaal has piled pressure on Manchester City ahead of their games against Crystal Palace and United
Louis van Gaal has piled pressure on Manchester City ahead of their games against Crystal Palace and United


It was another Manchester United, I believe,’ said Van Gaal, when asked how he reflected on the 1-0 defeat he suffered at the Etihad Stadium in November. ‘We have developed the team. That was more in the start of the process and now we are in the end of the process.
Van Gaal believes Manchester City's players may struggle to get to grips with being in fourth spot 
Van Gaal believes Manchester City's players may struggle to get to grips with being in fourth spot

‘So I think also the confidence of our players is very high at the moment but also our performances shows that so it’s not the same Manchester United. It’s like the game against Liverpool and the game (coming up) against Chelsea — you have to win these kinds of matches.’
With Liverpool’s defeat by Arsenal effectively ending the doubt over which sides will finish in the top four, it now becomes a question of what order Chelsea, Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs will be after the final games have been played.
United’s run-in is laced with demanding assignments — aside from City, they must go to Stamford Bridge on April 18, face a trip to Goodison Park the following week and host Arsenal on May 16 — but they have an aura once more.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling saw red during the Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling saw red during the Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium
 
MANCHESTER UNITED RUN-IN
Man United vs Man City - April 12
Chelsea vs Man United - April 18
Everton vs Man United - April 26
Man United vs West Brom - May 2
Crystal Palace vs Man United - May 9
Man United vs Arsenal - May 17
Hull vs Man United - May 24

MANCHESTER CITY RUN-IN

Crystal Palace vs Man City - April 6
Man United vs Man City - April 12
Man City vs West Ham - April 19
Man City vs Aston Villa - April 25
Tottenham vs Man City - May 3
Man City vs QPR - May 10
Swansea vs Man City - May 17
Man City vs Southampton - May 24
Villa, stymied by injury problems that Tim Sherwood described as ‘crippling’, simply couldn’t cope once they went conceded in the 43rd minute and the manager, who was noticeably glum afterwards, can at least take solace from the fact Queens Park Rangers will not offer the same threat on Tuesday.
‘We know it will be tough but as long as we can play the way we have shown, especially in the last few games, it’s going to be a great game,’ said Ashley Young, who admitted he was ‘disappointed’ to not be selected for the last round of England games.
‘Hopefully we will get the three points. Of course it would be nice but we are just taking each game as it comes.’
There was never any hint they would slip up here, bossing the first half and then going through the gears after a slow period after the break to swat Villa aside. Herrara, with his slick passing and industry, was terrific. Rooney’s 14th strike of the campaign, meanwhile, was sensational.
‘It's about momentum, especially when you are going into this vital stage of the season,’ Young added. ‘United teams always come strong at this stage and we are showing in every game just how strong we can be – and even how we finish the game. We will enjoy this but it is all about next week.’
Ashley Young (left, pictured with Herrera) believes his side are building momentum ahead of the derby
Ashley Young (left, pictured with Herrera) believes his side are building momentum ahead of the derby

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