Alan Shearer deals Man United reality check before Manchester derby

Manchester United take on rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United have been told that the lack of rest between games is the reality of competing in European football this season. United are back in Premier League action on Sunday (4.30pm), just three days after they came out as 4-0 winners over Sabah in the Champions League.

It’s just the small matter of the Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. While City were in Champions League action themselves, their game vs Porto was played on Tuesday night, giving Enzo Maresca’s men two extra days to recover and prepare for the match vs United.

It has raised a question of the fairness of the difference in the days between games. But former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has said that it’s something that Michael Carrick can’t use as an excuse.

Speaking to Betfair, he said: “It's not ideal that Man United play in Europe on Thursday and City played on Tuesday, but you can't ever use it as an excuse.

“That's what they played for last year is to get into the Champions League. So, there's no point in moaning that you now play on a Thursday and a Sunday. But I do get that they would want a level playing field with City playing on Tuesday.”

He has, however, backed United to step up to the occasion and end City’s 100 per cent winning record so far this season.

“Man United always give a bit extra in the big games,” he added. “But now we've seen them against Hull, we've seen them against Everton last weekend, showing just how sloppy they were defensively.”

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“It's a brilliant goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but again I think I think they always pull something out of the bag for games like this. So I'm going to go for a draw and a point a piece.”

Speaking about the fixture issue ahead of the game, Carrick said: "I'm not concerned.

"I wouldn't say it's ideal in some ways, but it's not something that we've given too much thought about.

"We're not in control of that. We've got to deal with the cards that we're dealt and that's what it is, so we'll make the most of it."

It’s a stance that is echoed by City boss Maresca. "To be honest, the club mentioned to me that it happened exactly the same last year when the club played Napoli and then after two days played Arsenal,” he said.

“Sometimes it happens in football. I don't have any doubt that Man United are going to be ready for that.

"That happens and you need to adapt. It happened last year with us, this season with them, next season it will happen with a different team. The only thing I can say is that happened and you need to adapt."