Michael Carrick laughs off Elliot Anderson's claims of Manchester City's supremacy | OneFootball

Michael Carrick has laughed off Elliot Anderson’s assertion that Manchester City rule the city, while acknowledging their recent dominance before a season-shaping derby.

According to Goal.com, Anderson arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116 million in the summer and promptly declared City the kings of Manchester, a message amplified on the club’s website.

City head coach Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola, defended the midfielder, arguing his view reflects growing up during 15 years of City dominance and extraordinary success.

United have not finished above City since 2012-13. In that span City have won seven league titles and a Champions League, though United have taken seven wins and three draws from the last 20 league derbies.

Carrick rejected the phrasing but said he understands why it is used, stressing United are humble and realistic about recent history. He highlighted progress under his watch, seeing Champions League return and rising expectations as steps rather than endpoints.

United trail City by five points ahead of Sunday’s meeting, which offers a chance to land a statement result.

Carrick praised City’s professional midweek display against Porto and said United must get many details right to earn a result. He believes his side are building confidence and improving, and will maximise a short turnaround to prepare.

Source: Goal.com

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