Following a win against Everton and a tough game in Moscow, Manchester United then have to face Manchester City at the weekend.
Manchester City also played a Champions League match in midweek but their tie was at the Etihad, whereas United had to travel to the far side of Europe to play CSKA Moscow.
Louis van Gaal has said that the Champions League match has put his side at a disadvantage coming into the Manchester Derby.
The Dutch manager said:
“Every club at the top of the league has the same problems.”
“But now Manchester City has a benefit, because they are playing at home and that is a difference.”
“The next time we may have the benefit, you never know. But it is important that it’s like that, because you can have the benefit. You have the benefit of the recuperation.”
“Manchester City don’t have the travel we have. So they have more rest. There is nothing you can do. They have the benefit. We do a lot of things to try and help.”
“We have cold baths, we have warm baths, less training sessions and practice, so the freshness is good enough to beat City. But first we have to beat Moscow.”
Despite the absence of Sergio Agüero and David Silva, Manchester City still won their last Premier League game 5-1. Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick and Wilfried Bony scored a brace against Premier League new comers Bournemouth.
United play the blue half of Manchester on Sunday.
One reply on “Manchester United manager claims that the Champions League is a hindrance for the Manchester City game”
Maybe Louis has forgotten we have travel to Salford for the game and they are at home. They have the benefit.