David Moyes says Manchester United “want to perform better in the bigger matches” ahead of his first home derby against Manchester City.
The reigning Premier League champions lost 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium, but after beating West Ham 2-0 and sitting seventh on the league log- 11 points off the top four- the Scot believe his side must start reposing the fans’ confidence with the “bigger games.”
“We want to try and perform better in the bigger games than what we have done,” says the United boss in his pre-match news conference.
“We want to win them all. But it is important for us to show the level of what we have got. We have got the level. We are not as far away as many people would have us.”
United have won more points away from home than any other club this season, but have struggled in front of their own fans. Moyes insists he is well aware of the importance of a derby match to every fan out there.
“We will do everything we possibly can. We try to win every game,” he explained. “It’s not any different but obviously it means a lot more to the supporters.”
The manager believed everyone at the club’s Carrington training facility have stepped up their performances over the week, but reserved much adulation for top striker Wayne Rooney, whose wonder strike from the half line at Upton Park on Saturday has got everyone talking.
“His (Rooney’s) form throughout the season has been very good and his goal capped it off. He showed it in a way that maybe everyone expects in that he can do what others aren’t capable of. More important for me is how well he has been playing,” he stressed.
Michael Carrick impressed the manager in heart of the defence on Saturday with the trio of Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand recovering from injury.
The English midfielder could again continue in his new-found role against City tomorrow- partnering alongside Phil Jones- with Patrice Evra also in consideration.
“Michael did great at centre-half,” added Moyes. “He’s played there before so it wasn’t a problem. We even considered putting Marouane Fellaini back there as well, so I think we’ve got people who can do that if we have to. We gave Patrice Evra a rest but if we have to, I think we can put him there as well and he would cope manfully.”
On Juan Mata’s role while Robin van Persie is sidelined with injury, Moyes said: “There isn’t any club in Europe or the world who wouldn’t want Robin van Persie playing centre-forward for them and for us it’s a massive miss.
“I think that Juan’s come in and played very well on Saturday. He’s done well in all the games but on Saturday he was closer to scoring himself and maybe should have on a couple of occasions. I don’t think you should look too much into the transfer fee, you should look at what his qualities are.”
