Makasi: "We need to be strong"

Development Squad midfielder Moses Makasi says his side need to be at their best if they are get anything from their game with Manchester United on Tuesday 7 April.

Makasi, 19, has 12 appearances for the Dev Squad this season, forming an important midfield partnership with Amos Nasha and Josh Cullen in recent games.

Speaking ahead of the match, Makasi said: “Manchester United away will be a very tough game, we need to be solid as a team for this game. We’ve lost the last few two games, our last win was against Fulham in February so we need to bounce back.

“We just need to stay together and work hard. That’s the only thing we can do, if we keep on doing that than we’ll get stronger.”    

In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Manchester United came away victorious, winning 2-1 in a tight contest.

That night saw former hammer and England international Michael Carrick return to Rush Green, and Makasi had the arduous task of marking the Champions League winner.   

“Michael Carrick played against us at Rush Green. It was a great experience coming up against a player of his stature because he’s been at the top for a long time now.

“As a midfielder, I rate Carrick highly. He’s great on the ball, always composed and he always makes the right decision.”

With Carrick now back to full fitness and forming an integral part of Louis van Gaal’s midfield, he is unlikely to feature on Tuesday evening. However, Makasi is well aware that several other famous names have featured for the United U21s this season, such as Radamel Falcao, Victor Valdes and James Wilson.  

“It is always a massive incentive to play against players like Radamel Falcao, especially for the centre-backs. To play against people who have played in the Premier League but also internationally, it’s a good test to see if they can handle it and if they’re ready.

“It’ll be good to test ourselves, we know that whoever we play against will be tough, you don’t play for Manchester United unless you’re a good player.”