Brian Barry-Murphy’s City squad will make the short trip across to Leigh Sports Village on the back of what has been a positive opening to the new campaign.
Tuesday’s impressive 3-0 Papa John’s Trophy triumph at Scunthorpe made it two wins and a draw from our opening trio of matches.
And with Saturday’s derby followed by the first international break of the season, Egan-Riley says he and his colleagues are determined to maintain momentum.
“Obviously playing United is one of the biggest games of the season. We always want to beat the Reds and win the derby,” the defender asserted.
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“In the last few years we have had their number so I am sure they will be up for it but we will go there looking to get the win.
“If we can get a victory that would be three wins and a draw in our first four games which would be great going into the break.
“At the moment the games are going to come thick and fast and we know we have another big game on Saturday against United in the derby.
“After the international break we are then straight back into it with the league, the Papa John’s Trophy and the UEFA Youth League which is another competition we are all looking forward to.
“We just need to keep pushing and working to win our games. We can definitely do that and I think we are only to get stronger.”
Egan-Riley captained the side in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy triumph at Scunthorpe, producing a typically assured, composed display, initially as an inverted full-back and later at the heart of our defence.
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Though there may be a new head coach at the helm and a number of younger players now part OF the squad, the expansive and exciting fluid, flexible play that has characterised the squad’s approach has again been evident
Reflecting on the positive start to the campaign, Egan-Riley said he and his team-mates were already learning from Barry-Murphy’s experience and input.
“It has been great working with Brian. He has done a great job and he’s already taught me a lot of stuff defensively,” Egan-Riley continued.
“(In terms of playing as an inverted full-back), we have worked on that in training and for me that is another position I like to play in.
“It gives us a bit of diversity and it is something different going into that box in midfield.
“It helps sustain our attacks and helps us keeps the pressure on higher up the pitch.
“We have started the season off quite well. We’ve worked on a few things since the new manager has come in and have looked at a few areas.
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“Brian has obviously been involved in the men’s game a long time and has brought in some tips and messages that can help us a lot.
“It showed in the Scunthorpe game, and it was great to get a clean sheet especially for me as a defender.
“There is stuff that we still need to work on but that will come with time and overall, I don’t think we can complain.”
