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Gary Neville: Result of FA Cup clash against Manchester City could have a 'big psychological impact' on Manchester United
The former Red Devils defender says two consecutive losses is considered to be a crisis at Old Trafford, and feels a third - at the hands of their rivals - would be a real blow
8 Jan 2012 10:50:00
By Adithya Ananth
Getty Images
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that the outcome of the upcoming FA Cup tie against Manchester City is bound to have a "big psychological impact" on the team.
The Red Devils have already lost 6-1 at Old Trafford to Roberto Mancini's men this season, and they come into this fixture having fallen to two successive losses in the Premier League - against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
Another defeat by City, this time at the Etihad Stadium, would knock United out of the FA Cup at the earliest stage, giving further ammunition to their critics following the early exit from the Champions League.
"Apart from the local pride at stake, with both teams battling it out for the title - even though Tottenham refuse to let them have it all their own way - the result could have a big psychological impact on the rest of the season," Neville wrote in his column for The Mail on Sunday.
"It's not so much going out of the FA Cup which will disappoint either team - though that would be bad enough - it will be that sense of losing the initiative to their closest rivals.
"And, having lost 6-1 to City at Old Trafford, and having now lost their last two games, Manchester United have to react.
"Everyone will be looking at them.
"Two defeats is perceived to be a crisis at United and that feeling would only grow if they were to lose a third to City."
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The Red Devils have already lost 6-1 at Old Trafford to Roberto Mancini's men this season, and they come into this fixture having fallen to two successive losses in the Premier League - against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
Another defeat by City, this time at the Etihad Stadium, would knock United out of the FA Cup at the earliest stage, giving further ammunition to their critics following the early exit from the Champions League.
"Apart from the local pride at stake, with both teams battling it out for the title - even though Tottenham refuse to let them have it all their own way - the result could have a big psychological impact on the rest of the season," Neville wrote in his column for The Mail on Sunday.
"It's not so much going out of the FA Cup which will disappoint either team - though that would be bad enough - it will be that sense of losing the initiative to their closest rivals.
"And, having lost 6-1 to City at Old Trafford, and having now lost their last two games, Manchester United have to react.
"Everyone will be looking at them.
"Two defeats is perceived to be a crisis at United and that feeling would only grow if they were to lose a third to City."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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