‘Manchester derby is game of the season’

MANCHESTER — Manchester United’s match against Manchester City in the Premier League on Thursday is “the game of the season” and will play a decisive role in both teams’ chances of finishing in the top four, midfielder Ander Herrera has said.

United, who are fifth in the table, trail fourth-placed City by a point and Herrera believes whichever team win the derby will be in pole position to book a spot for next season’s Champions League.

“It’s going to be the game of the season,” Herrera told the club’s website (www.manutd.com). “I don’t know the ‘winner takes all’ expression but it’s going to be a massive game.

“If one of us wins it, we are not going to lose a lot of games or make mistakes after that. It will be key.

“We are in a very good moment, on a very good run... and we have to show it on Thursday.”

United can also qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League. They play Spanish side Celta Vigo in the semifinals next month.

“We also have the Europa League, which is a competition that makes me very excited... Hopefully we can fight for that title as well, but I know Celta Vigo are very good. They are a very difficult team,” Herrera said.

United lost the league fixture at Old Trafford against City earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is so disappointed with the standard of officiating in Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal loss to Arsenal that the Ivorian would prefer to play Thursday’s Manchester derby in the Premier League without referees.

During the 2-1 defeat, City’s first goal was disallowed after match officials ruled that midfielder Leroy Sane’s cross went out of play before striker Sergio Aguero headed it in, but video replays showed that the ball never crossed the line.

“I think the referees have to stop this,” said Toure.

“I am very disappointed. It is not the first time, there have been a couple of times.

“Maybe on Thursday we are going to have a better referee or maybe play without a referee I’d prefer that.”

I don’t know the ‘winner takes all’ expression but it’s going to be a massive game

Ander Herrera