Battle of the Youngsters: Iheanacho to challenge Martial in Manchester derby

Published on: 23 October 2015
Battle of the Youngsters: Iheanacho to challenge Martial in Manchester derby
Manchester City youngster Kelechi Iheanacho

Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho is hoping to show that it’s not only Manchester United who have a talented teenager leading their line.

Iheanacho, ten months younger than his United counterpart Anthony Martial, has only been promoted to first team duties this season, but announced his arrival on the big stage with a last-minute winner at Crystal Palace in August.

Typically relaxed, the Nigerian youngster says if he does get a chance to play, it will just another game to him.

"I haven't thought that much about it because I've never played in a Manchester derby before and I don't know what it feels like so for me, it would just be a normal game and I wouldn't play my football any differently," Iheanacho said to mcfc.com.

"Hopefully, I can get to play some part on Sunday and obviously I hope I can help my team take the three points we need."

He also admits he respects United's Martial and believes the French striker isn't feeling the pressure of his sizeable transfer fee.

"I think Martial is a very good striker - he's a young lad and the same age as I am, 19. He's very composed in front of goal and he will be a threat if we allow him time and space in the final third.

"I don't think he has any pressure on him because all he needs to do is play football and score goals and that's what he's doing at the moment."

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