Manager previews opening League game
United get under way in npower League 2 with a trip to Bristol Rovers on Saturday. manager Chris Wilder pits his wits against the vastly experienced Mark McGhee, and the United manager has been telling Yellow Player that he expects nothing but a tough opener for his side:
“I thought it was a good game last year considering the conditions, and both teams went for a win. They will want to get on the front foot and get their season off and running after a disappointing result on Tuesday but it is the first league game for everyone and every team in the league will be looking to win their first match. We will be no different. They have a good Manager who has seen it all and won promotions."
United come into the game on the back of a good Capital One Cup win over Bournemouth and buzzing after drawing Leeds United away in the next round:
"Tuesday night against Bournemouth was a good night for all involved and I thought the energy levels were really good." Chris told us " It was a good game between two decent sides. Drawing Leeds is a cracking draw and should be a good crowd and atmosphere. Every time I have been there it has been a ridiculous atmosphere and I’d imagine it will be one of the top gates in the round, against a top club. For the players it’s another opportunity to show what they are all about on a big stage, so we are looking forward to it."
The cup can wait though as all eyes focus on the Memorial Stadium on Saturday:
"There were a couple of knocks, bumps and bruises but those get forgotten quicker when you win a game than when you get beaten. So we go into the game in decent form and decent nick. I’ve been delighted with what they’ve shown in pre-season and we’re looking forward to Saturday.
"Personally, I’d rather play the teams that people expect to be challenging at the top in the opening weeks of the season. They have got to come out of the traps in front of their own supporters and go and try and win the game. It looks like an evenly matched game, one that can go either way, and hopefully we can make sure it goes ours.”
See the whole interview, plus a great chat with Ryan Clarke, only in Yellow Player.