In Matchweek 22 of the EPL, Manchester City are gearing up for one of their biggest home tests — against Manchester United. Ahead of the derby, City defender Max Alleyne shared thoughts on the team’s mood, his first derby experience, and his relationship with Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov.
According to Alleyne, this clash holds special meaning for him — it’s his first Manchester derby in a City shirt.
“This is my first derby, my first experience. I’m really excited. I believe the atmosphere will be fantastic, I’m looking forward to it. We’ll prepare and talk it through today and tomorrow. I’ve already built a really good connection with Abdukodir Khusanov,” Alleyne said.
His words make it clear that mutual understanding within the squad is seen as a key factor. Especially among defenders, that automatic feel for “who covers where, who steps out when” is worth its weight in gold in games like a derby.
Alleyne also touched on how his time at Manchester City is going. He emphasized that this period has been intense — and that he’s loving the tempo.
“So far everything’s been very intense, I’ve enjoyed every second, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m not saying I didn’t like my time at Watford, but the main goal was to come back here and enjoy my football. And right now I’m very happy with that,” he said.
For the record, the Manchester City vs Manchester United derby kicks off on 17 January at 17:30. For fans, this match isn’t just a regular league fixture — it’s a Manchester-style ‘championship of feelings.’ Now there’s one big intrigue left: in the derby, which team keeps a cool head, and which one gets carried away by emotion?
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