(Manchester United News)
Club legend Bryan Robson believes that vice-captain Michael Carrick is set to play a crucial role in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The former skipper, who appeared in nine derbies during his time as a Red, explained that Carrick’s tactical astuteness will need to be at its maximum in order to nullify the effect of City’s Yaya Toure.
“I feel that Michael, along with Wayne Rooney of course, will have to be right on form for us to win the game,” Bryan told ManUtd.com. “Michael’s got to have an impact on what Toure does for them.
“When you look at City, they’ve got Sergio Aguero and Toure as their key men, so it’s very similar [to us with Rooney and Carrick] and very well balanced,” he added. “For me, it’s who plays the best out of those four that could make the difference.”
Robson also moved to quash claims from some quarters that Toure has under performed so far this season, stressing that the Ivorian still poses a considerable threat to Louis van Gaal's men on Sunday.
“Most of the time when Toure’s in their side he has an impact on City and their results. He’s a big-game player as well, that’s why I think it’s really important as to how Michael performs this weekend.”
