Maresca unmoved by United schedule gripe before Manchester derby | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has brushed off Michael Carrick’s concerns over a lopsided schedule, insisting top sides must adapt before Sunday’s Manchester derby.

According to Goal.com, Manchester United head into the Premier League clash with less rest after facing Azerbaijani side Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday. Manchester City were in Porto on Tuesday, giving Maresca’s team two extra recovery days, and Carrick has been unhappy with the quick turnaround.

Maresca offered little comfort in response, noting City experienced the same last season, hosting Napoli on a Thursday then travelling to Arsenal on Sunday. He said such scenarios are part of elite competition and that teams need to adapt, adding he has no doubt United will be ready.

Despite the blunt message, Maresca praised Carrick’s work at Old Trafford. The pair crossed paths three years ago when Maresca’s Leicester met Carrick’s Middlesbrough, and the City manager said he thinks Carrick has done a very good job since taking over in a complicated situation last season. United also beat City soon after Carrick assumed the role on an interim basis.

Sunday’s meeting is a major test for a United side still seeking early-season stability, after an opening-day defeat to newly promoted Hull City and a 2-2 draw with Everton where they twice let a lead slip. Even so, United have scored nine goals in two home games, and City must guard against that threat as they try to make their extra recovery count.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”