After watching Red Devils’ title dreams dashed in dramatic fashion last season, Sergio Aguero’s derby day winner has left Antonio Valencia experiencing de ja vu and feeling a little anxious.
The winger was a key part of the Manchester United squad who conceded an eight point Premier League lead to rivals City at this stage last year.
And prior to the derby on Monday, Sir Alex Ferguson’s outfit sat 15 points clear of their noisy neighbours, but victory makes a Citizens’ title shot possible, if not realistic.
“We’re a little worried,” Valencia told Ecuadorian radio station Sonorama. “It has already happened to us.
“Last year, having eight points with seven games to go we lost the league, and now we have seven games with 12 points and we don’t want this to happen again.”
The Ecuador international – who arrived at Old Trafford from Wigan Atheltic in 2009 – already has one title medal to his name, but is keen to add another, and quickly.
“We want to finish off the two games that are coming as soon as possible,” he explained. “Starting off in the right way and ending up victorious.”
The 27-year-old, who only featured as a substitute late-on in the derby defeat, admitted his frustration at being restricted to a spot on the bench.
“They are the manager’s decisions, but I was still a bit upset,” he added.
“In such an important game, to be not taken into account as a starter is upsetting.
“Ten minutes is very short for such a tight, difficult game. The important thing is to come on and play, but yeah, you become restless waiting for the next game and wanting to play 90 minutes.”
Image courtesy of YouTube via bwin, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
