Yuzvendra Chahal Backs Manchester United to ‘Surprise People’ After Manchester Derby Setback

New Delhi, Oct 8: Indian cricketer and passionate Manchester United fan Yuzvendra Chahal believes the Premier League giants can still surprise their critics, praising the team's fighting spirit and unpredictability as they look to climb the league table after the international break.

Chahal, who recently travelled to Old Trafford to watch the Manchester Derby from the stands, spoke about his enduring love for the club and his experience of witnessing one of English football's biggest rivalries live. The leg-spinner, who is also a JioStar expert, said Manchester United has been a part of his life since childhood and remains a team he closely follows whenever his schedule allows.

"Manchester United has been a childhood love for me, so the Premier League is something I genuinely enjoy following whenever I get the time. One of my favourite things is getting my friends together, sitting with them and watching a big United game; there is always so much emotion and banter!" Chahal said, quoted by JioStar.

Reflecting on the Manchester Derby, Chahal recalled the emotional rollercoaster of watching United attempt to take advantage after Manchester City were reduced to 10 men.

"I watched the Manchester Derby recently. When City went down to ten men, I really felt United would find a way to get the result, and there were moments when it looked like we could take the game," he said.

However, the match eventually turned in City's favour, with Erling Haaland scoring amid a controversial VAR sequence that left the United fan disappointed.

"To then see Haaland score and the goal go through that whole VAR drama was painful as a United fan! But that's football, sometimes you get the result you want and sometimes you don't," Chahal added.

Despite the setback, Chahal remains optimistic about United's prospects. He singled out Matheus Cunha as one of the players he particularly admires, highlighting the Brazilian's energy, ability to take on defenders and influence on those around him.

"What I really like about this United team is the fight and the unpredictability. Matheus Cunha is someone I really admire, the way he plays with such energy, takes on defenders and keeps pushing the players around him," Chahal said.

The cricketer also backed United to produce a strong response following the international break, insisting that his faith in the club remains unwavering.

"I genuinely believe this team can still surprise people. As a United fan since childhood, I'll always believe in the team and keep backing them. That's what being a football fan is all about," he said.

When Will Manchester United Play Its Next Premier League Game?

Manchester United are scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday, October 10, with the match set to be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports.