Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, has urged Manchester City fans to back the team following a five-game winless run.
City slumped again at home to Southampton on Sunday and it took the intervention of the 20-year-old to secure a 1-1 draw for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Iheanacho’s latest strike was his third in just seven Premier League games and fourth in all competitions this season.
And the Nigerian has begged the Citizens to be patient with the team ahead of the Manchester derby.
“There is no problem – we need to get our heads straight and focus on the next games.” Iheanacho told Manchester Evening News
“The fans need to know that we are football players, but we are human beings as well. We didn’t come from a different planet – we are of this world.
“I know the fans expect a lot from us, as players, but we are capable of losing and drawing as well as winning. There are a lot of games to go, so they need to have patience and get behind us.
“We’ll get there soon and make them proud. We haven’t won in five games now, but it is a game of football, and this can happen. We need to head straight and focus on the derby that is coming.
“Last time we played United we put in a great performance from the whole team and won it, so we are looking forward to it again.
“This one will be harder, as they are getting to know us and our players. They will fight hard so we have to get our heads straight, fight back and get the win at Old Trafford.”
Iheanacho, who has only started three league games thus far, however says he is willing to contribute his quota when called upon.
“It’s just what I need to do as a football player, to come in and bring life whenever I’m starting, whenever I’m coming in,” he told MCFC TV.
“[I’m] Ready to play, ready to go in there and run in the box, to run everywhere and get the ball and everything and so to bring life to the team.”
