Rodgers sends out warning to Red Devils

Rodgers sends out warning to Red Devils

Published May. 5, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Manchester United they face a "dangerous" opponent at Old Trafford as his side relish the chance to help decide the destiny of the Barclays Premier League title.

Swansea travel to face Sir Alex Ferguson's side with their top-flight survival already assured, while their opponents are desperately trying to retain their title.

Monday night's derby defeat by Manchester City saw Roberto Mancini's men go top of the table on goal difference with two games to go.

Mancini has raised Rodgers' ire ahead of tomorrow's clash by saying that Swansea will be an "easy" game for United as he looks to try and ease the pressure his squad are under as they chase a first title since 1968.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rodgers' insists the Italian's mind games have not affected Swansea's preparations for the trip to Old Trafford, but says the freedom of having secured their Premier League status means they can cause United plenty of problems.

"It shows the magnitude of what our players have put in that with these last couple of games against the most decorated clubs in the history of English football we can go and play with a freedom," he said.

"If you look at Wolves, who were 3-0 and 4-1 down against us last week and came back to draw, they had a freedom. You run and play with nothing to lose.

"That's why it's not an easy game, but a dangerous game for Manchester United.

"We have freedom. We play with freedom anyway but we have been cut loose from things that sometimes can hold you back and we can go and play."

Facing United at Old Trafford is an intimidating prospect for most sides, let alone with Ferguson and company searching for yet another league crown.

But Swansea are delighted to have the chance to play a part in deciding the outcome of the title race, particularly as the club went close to going out of business and going out of the Football League before making their remarkable climb to the Premier League.

And Rodgers insists his side still have plenty to play for, despite already being safe.

Rodgers said: "It is a great game to be involved in and it is brilliant for the players.

"We want to go up and perform and really finish off the season like how we've been for the majority.

"There's no doubt we are not going there with nothing to play for - for me there's everything to play for because we want to carry it on into next season.

"The players want to pit themselves at the top end of things and to have a say in it (the title race) is a great feeling."

Swansea lost the reverse fixture at the Liberty Stadium 1-0 back in November as United became the first away side to win in south Wales this season.

Rodgers felt his players were in awe of their opponents during the opening 45 minutes of that fixture, and while he feels there is less apprehension this time around, he is fully aware of the huge task his men face.

"Yes, there is less apprehension. It doesn't make it any easier though, you still have to go out and do it.

"You want to let your football do the talking and we always look to do that.

"It's a wonderful arena to play in. It's fitting for a team of their quality."

share