Eriksson praises 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.

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 tonsilitis, 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 knew if we didn’t put in a performance we would be in trouble. 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. Let’s hope he stays fit and can play in all the games, he has great attitude and is great value for money.”

Darius Vassell and Benjani scored for City in the first half, with United finally replying late on through Michael Carrick.

Eriksson added: “It was a very satisfying result considering we had not been playing that well in the last few matches.

“It was important for us, but also very important for United if they want to win the race with Arsenal for the title.

“We knew we have not been up to the right level of late, but this time it was just right. Everyone did exactly what we hoped they would do.”

Vassell, who opened the scoring, revealed the City players had been constantly reminded of how long it had been since the club won at Old Trafford.

He said: “There was pressure on everyone, both the team and the supporters, and there had been a lot of debate all week about whether a minority might not observe the minute’s silence.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but our fans did remarkably well, not just for those 60 seconds, but all through the game.

“We could hear them loud and clear and it does lift players to get that kind of backing.”

He added: “My goal was probably one of the most important I have scored. It will certainly go into the memory bank for me to smile about when I am retired.

“The manager told us how long it was since the last City win at Old Trafford and that was all he had to say to inspire us.”