A bullish Casemiro says Manchester United will face Manchester City as if it's a very important game, giving their all to win at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s team, who won three major trophies last year, are 15 points ahead of United and are expected to win the match after 18 games without losing.
United seemed to improve with five straight wins, but then suffered a 2-1 loss to Fulham. Erik ten Hag’s team lost their last game against Fulham.
But United found hope with a dramatic win against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, where Casemiro scored a last-minute winning goal.
In an interview with United’s official website, Casemiro said he and the team are feeling positive about the upcoming derby and that these are days to be enjoyed.
‘These are the games that fans, players, and the club all look forward to,’ he said.
‘I think these games are meant to be enjoyed. That’s how I feel. They’re beautiful games.’
The experienced Brazil midfielder believes United can handle the pressure of this ‘important game’ and sees it as a great chance to boost the team's morale.
‘You get used to it when you play so many matches. Even though it's a derby and a crucial game for us, we know that every game is important,’ he added.
‘If we win this match, it'll raise the team and club morale, especially for the rest of the season.
‘But we have to treat every match like a final, as if they are all important matches. So, I think this is another important match for us.’
The former Real Madrid player continued: ‘These moments always excite players.’
‘These moments help a player’s confidence. It's high-level players that keep you at your best. So these games give players a great feeling both on and off the pitch, making them feel alive.
‘These are the beautiful things in football that boost players’ confidence.’
‘The thing I love most about playing here, going back to the previous question, is our fans on the road,’ he said.
‘The way they help and support us, and how they are with us, it's the most beautiful thing.
‘I’d like to encourage the people traveling to the match to support and believe in us, because we know it's going to be a very intense, very difficult game.
‘But I hope the fans have faith in us, because we're going to give our all on the pitch.
‘Winning is very important, not just for the fans but for us as well, especially considering the squad’s morale for the rest of the season.’
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