Sven hails Richards performance
Eriksson thinks Richards has all the necessary tools to succeed
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Sunday, 19, Aug 2007 08:56
Sven Goran Eriksson hailed the performance of the Manchester City defence, particularly Micah Richards, after beating Manchester United 1-0.
The Swede was delighted with his whole team for showing their fighting qualities against a United side that dominated possession and territory for large periods of the game.
Eriksson said: "The team fought today, it was difficult to begin with but for a while in the first half we played really good football."
Richards was used as a centre-half, having played at right-back for most of last season, and Eriksson feels he has a promising player to tutor.
The former England boss says he has rarely seen a talent as good as Richards at the age of 19.
He said: "I do not remember having a defender that strong and that quick at any age. That is a combination that is very rare indeed.
"He wins everything in the air and can fight with any centre-forward and then, if he makes a mistake, he has the speed to repair it."
Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson felt his side did not miss Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and should have done better with the chances they created.
He said: "On the evidence of today it's quite obvious [we did not miss them]. I thought we were absolutely outstanding and completely dominated the game."
City now top the table with a 100 per cent record from three games played while United are currently 16th after their worst start to a Premier League season since 1992.