James Milner will become a Manchester United fan for first time as title race goes to wire
ByPA Sport
Updated 22/04/2019 at 20:31 GMT
James Milner admits he will become a Manchester United supporter for the first time as Liverpool hope for an advantage in the Premier League title race.
James Milner of Liverpool celebrates with his teammates
Image credit: Getty Images
Milner counts United’s three great rivals – Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester City – on a 17-year playing CV that has seen him rack up more than 600 senior games.
But the 33-year-old midfielder will put history to one side in the Manchester derby on Wednesday when City meet United at Old Trafford.
The derby is City’s game in hand on Liverpool and victory will restore their one-point lead at the top with three matches of the season remaining.
“First time in my life,” Milner said about his support for United this week.
“But I won’t be watching. It’s a bit of a waste of energy, willing the ball in the other goal.
“I can’t do anything about it. I’ll maybe put my phone away for a few hours and check it after. I’ve no idea what I’ll do, maybe go out for some food.”
Liverpool maintained their challenge for a first domestic title since 1990 with a 2-0 victory at Cardiff on Sunday.
Milner converted a late penalty to score his seventh goal of the season and secure a precious three points.
Liverpool have relegated Huddersfield and Wolves to play at home and Newcastle away.
City’s remaining fixtures are at United, Burnley and Brighton and at home to Leicester.
On City’s run-in, Milner said: “There’s three games left after that (United). People think United is a challenge, but it’s not the only one.
“It’s an old cliche, but the Premier League is tough – whoever you play, teams battling at the bottom.
“Go back to QPR (when Milner won the title at Man City on the final day) and it’s not easy when you’re playing to win a league title.
Liverpool’s win at Cardiff was their 27th from 35 games and set a new Premier League points record for the club.
The Reds now have 88 points, two more than Rafael Benitez’s side managed 10 years ago in finishing runners-up to Manchester United.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement