Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Richards earns Sven praise

20 Aug 2007 - 07:21:11

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Manchester City defender Micah Richards earned high praise from manager Sven-Goran Eriksson following his five-star display in the 1-0 win over Manchester United.

The 19-year-old England international formed a rock-solid partnership with Citizens skipper Richard Dunne to thwart the Red Devils, who enjoyed the majority of the possession and chances at Eastlands.

Eriksson said after the game: "It is important to remember this young man is 19.

"I don't 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.

"His pace is incredible. At 19, you just don't see that."

Richards started his City career at right-back, but has been moved into a more central role since former England head coach Eriksson took charge in the summer.