James Milner to support United for the first time in his life
Liverpool utility man James Milner says he will be rooting for Manchester United for the first time in his life when they take on Manchester City in the English Premier League tomorrow morning (Singapore time).
Defending champions City are two points behind league leaders Liverpool and winning their game in hand at the home of their local rivals would allow Pep Guardiola's side to reclaim the lead in the title race.
Milner, who won the EPL title with City before joining Liverpool, wants United to do bitter rivals Liverpool a favour by beating City and increasing the pressure on them in the final weeks of the season, reported Reuters.
"First time in my life," Milner told reporters when asked if he would support United over City.
"But I won't be watching.
"It's a bit of a waste of energy, willing the ball in the other goal."
City will be crowned champions if they win their remaining games, while Liverpool need City to drop points if they are to end their 29-year wait for an English top-flight title.
Said Milner: "They're a top team, they've done it before and are grinding it out.
"All we can do is win the rest of our games and put them under pressure. There's three games left after (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."
Milner's teammate Virgil van Dijk agreed, saying United needed to do both themselves and his side a favour after the Red Devils' 4-0 thrashing by Everton last Sunday.
Said the Dutchman: "They need to do themselves a favour.
"Everton is not easy to beat at home, but 4-0 is a big result.
"We have no influence on that, but they are still playing for Champions League football and they need to get a result."
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