Eriksson salutes ‘amazing’ Dunne

RICHARD DUNNE earned his manager’s praise after he climbed from his sickbed to drive Manchester City to a magnificent derby victory over rivals United that will live long in the memory of their fans.

Those same City fans had confounded the doubters by producing a display of dignity and respect during the minute’s silence to mark the memory of those who died 50 years ago in the Munich air disaster.

The City fans did their own club proud and then supported their team right through a marvellous 2-1 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Irish centre-back Dunne was magnificent, leading the men from Eastlands by example even though he had been so ill before the game he was not allowed to sleep in the team hotel ahead of an emotional Manchester derby.

City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said: “Richard Dunne had tonsillitis, so his performance was impeccable, just like the fans. As the captain he was excellent. He did not train on Saturday or come to the hotel the evening before the game.

“He just arrived at 10am on Sunday. The doctors took care of him, in effect he came straight from his bed to Old Trafford to play, amazing.”

Dunne brushed aside the praise, claiming: “I hadn’t been too well but I had every intention of playing in this one.

“The game and performance were brilliant. We’ve been disappointed with our last few performances and this time we got stuck into them.

“We got the goals at the right time and in the second half we worked really hard.”

And while hailing Dunne’s contribution to City’s first victory at Old Trafford in 24 years, Eriksson was full of praise for the striker he hopes will have a major impact on the club.

Benjani Mwaruwari, on his debut, scored what proved to be the winner and instantly won over City fans who had not been impressed by reports of his reluctance to leave Fratton Park for Eastlands.

Eriksson said: “Benjani can take us into Europe. He has the technique, the pace and can keep the ball up in attack. He also scores goals. He will be very important for us as we aim for Europe.

“It was the right time for him to show it. He is the perfect player for the system we play, and he will help us reach Europe.’’