Kyle Walker names ‘dangerous’ Manchester United star Man City must stop in derby
Manchester City will travel to Old Trafford to face bitter rivals Man United in the Premier League on Sunday and are already expecting a tricky game
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker.
Kyle Walker has chatted about Marcus Rashford in the build-up. (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Kyle Walker admits Manchester City will need to be on red alert to deal with Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford – despite his England teammate’s lack of goals this season.
After plundering 30 goals in all competitions for United last season, Rashford has only registered once in 12 outings for his club so far this season. However, the misfiring United man was on target when playing for England alongside Walker during an important win over Italy at Wembley this month.
Putting their international allegiances to one side, Walker and Rashford will go toe-to-toe with each other during the season’s first Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon (3.30pm). City defender Walker will be the player tasked with keeping a close eye on Rashford during that Premier League showdown at Old Trafford.
Speaking before the Manchester derby, Walker said: “Marcus has shown over the years that he’s the sort of player who can create problems for any side if they don’t match him. He’s been important for United and England since he was a teenager because of the threat he offers to any team he’s in.
“He’s got a lot of different qualities. We know he can be dangerous at the weekend.”
Rashford scored the winner against City in the Old Trafford meeting last season. However, while there were claims he was offside in the build-up, Walker insists his teammates will hold no grudge.
He added: “We don’t think like that. Last season is done. We lost at Old Trafford and went on to win the treble.
“Ultimately that’s what matters. Of course, this game means a lot, but it’s part of the bigger picture. Okay, we lost last season and the luck didn’t go in our favour, but we bounced back and did what we did.”
Walker continued: “We want to win the game because of what it means and because, ultimately, it will help us in trying to win the Premier League again. We don’t need to think beyond that, we’ve had some great games against them in recent years and our focus is on giving the fans something to enjoy again.”