After a summer off, Kevin Pilkington joined Yolkie to discuss what people are calling the “best Charity Shield ever” after United came back from 2-0 down at half time to defeat City 3-2 at Wembley on Sunday.
We were 45 minutes away from it being a meaningless friendly game but all jokes aside it was the 160th competitive Manchester derby… you were at the club when we made an identical comeback in 1993. After so many changes to the playing staff over the summer, how great was it to see the same old Manchester United spirit?
First of all there’s no such thing as a friendly between United and City especially nowadays! And the United spirit can never be questioned. Even with new players Sir Alex always gets the right characters in. I think once you walk through the door you know what is expected of you.
Nani was one of the players linked with a move away in the summer but he looked just as good as he did last season, with two great goals. Do you think he can be even better than last season?
Nani’s performance was great. Hopefully he can keep up that level of performance all season a be a massive player for United. I think he knows his place is under threat but with displays like that he will be a regular in the team.
David De Gea was criticised for both goals but more for the second. Do you think it was a little unfair, and as a goalkeeper, are you annoyed or frustrated with the defenders for not closing him down? The goal was eerily similar to that which Messi scored!
De Gea would be the first one to say he could have done better with the goals but he will learn from this experience. It was his first real competitive game for United so you would expect some nerves. But he has already proved he is a top keeper and I’m sure he will be there for years to come.
Tom Cleverley and Anderson were brilliant in the game – do you think it’s possible that this unlikely pair could end up as an important combination in United’s midfield this season?
Anderson has been showing his potential recently and he needs to step up to the plate and grab his opportunity. Cleverley is a blessing. I thought he ran the game when he came on and against that sort of opposition it was very impressive. He showed great maturity in his approach to the game. He might save Sir Alex some money!!
To win in such a manner is exciting; especially considering the opponents. Where do you stand on how important the Charity / Community Shield?
Any chance to get one over on one of your rivals is always a good thing. If City had won they would have been shouting from the rooftops!
Finally, how’s your own pre-season been after your globe trotting to Barbados? You sorted another year at Luton, after coming so close to promotion to the football league last season, is that the aim this year?
Pre season has been long but good. The Play off Final was very disappointing. To lose in such a manner was hard to take. It has to be the aim again this season and hopefully it will be as champions! Barbados was great as well! Enjoyed meeting up with the lads again and playing against top players and winning!!!