Red View: Rafael on the derby, Cantona goals vs City video + more

RAFAEL ITCHING FOR ETIHAD ACTION Rafael is seeking instant reinstatement in Manchester United’s league line-up this weekend when the Reds head to the Etihad Stadium for a derby blockbuster. The Brazilian right-back was among the players rested from the midweek defeat to Cluj in the Champions League but his absence from the last hour of the rollercoaster win at Reading last Saturday was a different matter. Already on a yellow card, Rafael was the ‘victim’ of a rare first-half substitution as Sir Alex tried to seize control of a frenzied game and keep a full complement of players on the pitch. But although that tactical ploy paid off for the boss, many pundits would fancy Rafael – one of United’s best performers this term - to reclaim his place from Chris Smalling on Sunday. “Every player wants to be involved, derbies are always great games to be a part of,” acknowledged Rafael in Inside United. “It will be huge, as it is every time we play them now. It’s funny, though – I remember when I first joined United, the game against City was just a normal match. It wasn’t any bigger or smaller than most other fixtures, but now it’s probably the biggest one on the calendar. We’re hoping to get a good result there.” While some might think City’s exit from Europe this week will give them an advantage in the 2013 title race, Rafael insists the Reds are also greatly focused on the league. “At United we start the season wanting to win every competition we play in," he said. "But the league is special. Winning it is an incredible feeling and we want to feel that again. It’s important to us this season and we’ll battle as hard as we can to make sure we lift the trophy.” More - Sir Alex: Just the two of us for the title | Valencia out of City clash | Carrick ignores the hype EX-REDS: DEFENCE IS KEY TO DERBY SUCCESS Three wise men - all of them Manchester United legends - share their opinions ahead of Sunday's match against City... Arthur Albiston: "I think Sir Alex will go there with a big side. By that, I mean he'll favour tall players because City pose a lot of threats at setpieces - the goal we conceded there in last season's league game was a header from a corner. They are a physical team so you have to match that first of all. I think Sir Alex will go there with an attitude of, 'Let's go there and get at least a draw.' A win would be a great result and if we can stop conceding goals, we've got enough goal power throughout the side to do it. But a draw would be acceptable. We don't have to chase the game at this stage of the season." Paddy Crerand: "A great pal of mine is a City fan and keeps saying that City, like United, aren’t playing as well as they can. Yet I’m pretty certain the title will be won by a Manchester club. You can’t discount Chelsea but United and City are favourites. So Sunday is important and it won’t be easy. Roberto Mancini has a tremendous team and a strong defence, while we’ve been shipping goals. There were signs that was changing for us with key defenders fit again but after a clean sheet against West Ham, we conceded some crazy goals at Reading! City will no doubt give the title another right good go but we’re in it for the long haul, and I hope we can strike the first blow on Sunday." Gary Neville: "United have shown great attacking flair and character, but need to keep clean sheets. City’s success has been built on defensive solidity; they’ll know that as long as they stay tight at the back, the goals will come with the quality attackers they’ve got. It’ll be a huge game at the Etihad, and if United want to know how to win on Sunday, then just take a look at what Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid did against them in the Champions League – they shut off City’s space in midfield brilliantly. If you get in and around David Silva, Samir Nasri and Carlos Tevez, that will congest the middle of the park and halt Yaya Toure’s powerful, damaging surges. The best way to win there is to make sure you don’t concede. If United can keep a clean sheet, then the amount of attacking talent we have will give us a great chance." More: Watch more former players discussing the derby in an exclusive video RED VOICES: CITY SHOWDOWN Red Voices, the official ManUtd.com podcast, saves the biggest and best game until last this week - namely the much-anticipated Manchester derby. Before turning their attention to Sunday's game against City, our panel of three website journalists discuss the contrasting clashes with Cluj and Reading. But the season's first meeting with the Blues soon dominates the agenda for Steve Bartram, Nick Coppack and Adam Marshall. Guiding them through the debate is MUTV presenter Helen McConnell. The other voices you'll hear on this week's podcast are those of Sir Alex Ferguson, reflecting on the defeat to Cluj, and former United strikers Andy Cole and Frank Stapleton who talk separately about the big derby. To listen to Red Voices, download the mp3 file (right-click) or stream it at www.manutd.com/podcast.   This email was sent by:Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please register with ManUtd.com to receive the MU Foundation newsletter directly in future. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. 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