James Milner Hopes That Manchester United Have Some Professional Pride

Self-respect and professional pride would demand a response to the Everton embarrassment. If United have any.

The position Manchester United are in, a result today against local rivals City wouldn’t be doing a favour for Liverpool in the title race—it’d be doing a favour for United in their own struggle to finish in the top four this season.

That’s been the talking point coming from the Liverpool side of things, at least, with the club’s clear interest in today’s Manchester derby meaning just about everyone in Liverpool has been asked for their take on it at this point.

“I won’t watch the game,” was James Milner’s as he became the latest Liverpool player asked about his plans for this evening and how he sees it going—and, despite that he won’t be watching, he does have some hope for United.

“Manchester United aren’t having the best of times at the moment,” he continued, “but after the result the other day I’m sure they’ll want to respond to that. It’ll be an interesting game for sure but it’s not one that I’ll probably watch.

“I think I’ve got a charity meeting tonight so I’ll be well away from the box. I’m sure I’ll get messages and things like that. If the phone is deathly quiet I’ll know City are doing well, [but] we just want to concentrate on our business.”

As for Liverpool’s business, the players were given time off this week with it being the last break in the schedule this season, and they will return to action on Friday at Huddersfield knowing—whatever happens tonight—they need a win.

Whatever happens next, though, this is a group that can hold their heads up high for the results they have managed so far, keeping up with this City side at the top while the rest of the top six are engaged in a stumbling top four fight.

“To be up there challenging them, with the points total we have, shows what a strong team we are and how much we’ve improved,” Milner added. “It’s good that we’re pushing them but we want to get over that line.”

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com