Pellegrini wary of Man United’s Rooney and Van Persie
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester United pose more than one threat in the derby on Saturday afternoon
Manuel Pellegrini believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney won’t be the threat to Manchester City’s hopes of winning Sunday’s derby at the Etihad Stadium.
The 27-year-old forward scored his 200th and 201st Red Devils goals in United’s 4-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Old Trafford in the club’s Champions League group-stage opener on Tuesday night.
Pellegrini, who replaced Roberto Mancini in June, has taken charge of Real Madrid for El Clásicos in the past, and the Chilean is aware of the importance of the Manchester derby.
“I don’t need to be here to know how important the derby is. Working here and living here, I know how special the game is,” said Pellegrini.
“It’s one of the most important teams. Of course, if you cannot win, it is better not to lose, but we will try to win the game.
“United have a lot of good players. Wayne Rooney is one of them, but not only him. They also have Robin van Persie, Antonio Valencia, so they have many good players.”
The City manager confirmed captain Vincent Kompany will be fit to face the reigning champions, but the 62-year-old admitted David Silva will be missing for the derby.
“David Silva started training today,” Pellegrini told reporters ahead of Sunday’s clash.
“Maybe he will not be ready for Sunday, but no problem with all the other players.
“Vincent Kompany played 90 minutes in the Champions League so he is normal, he is okay for Sunday.”
