ERIKSSON TO SHUN PHYSICAL APPROACH

Sven-Goran Eriksson insists Sir Alex Ferguson need have no fear about Manchester United being kicked off the park in Sunday's derby confrontation at Eastlands.

Ferguson chose the eve of his side's trip to local rivals City to air his complaints about flair players not getting enough protection from referees.

After seeing Michael Ball get away with stamping on Cristiano Ronaldo in the early moments of last season's corresponding fixture, there is some weight behind Ferguson's words and the United manager has already expressed his belief City will adopt a physical approach as they look to maintain a 100% start to the season.

Yet, as he looks inside his own dressing room, Eriksson does not believe there is any justification for Ferguson's fears.

If City are to win, the Swede is adamant they will do it playing the right way.

"I am not going to tell my players to kick theirs. That is not my tactic, I can promise you that," he said.

"We should concentrate on playing football. That is our strength as far as I can see."

Having failed to sign an experienced goalkeeper, Eriksson will be forced to rely on Kasper Schmeichel, son of United legend Peter, as he goes head to head with Ferguson in Barclays Premier League combat for the first time.

After winning their opening two fixtures against West Ham and Derby, City are in the rare position of knowing they will be above United in the table on Sunday night no matter what the outcome.

Typically, though, Eriksson is not getting carried away, claiming it will be the end of April before he starts taking any notice of where City find themselves.

Undoubtedly, after all their club-versus-country battles during the Swede's five-and-a-half year stint with England, Eriksson would love to put one over on Ferguson, even though he claims there is no lingering animosity between the pair.

"It is not true to say we don't get on very well," reflected the Swede.

"I don't have any problems with Sir Alex. It is the jobs that don't interact.

"Of course we had differing opinions when I was doing my previous job, especially about friendly games.

"He defended the interests of Manchester United and I tried to defend the interests of England. It is nothing personal, it comes with the job."

Taken from =football365=