Swansea City v Manchester United - What They're Saying
Saturday, 17th Aug 2013 06:38 by Phil Sumbler

The Premier League swings back into action today with the Swans entertaining Manchester United at the Liberty. It's a baptism of fire for both the Swans and new Manchester United manager David Moyes and many pundits are predicting a tough test for the Champions with a potential upset on the cards.

The SkyTV cameras will also be in attendance as they have chosen this game as their showpiece Saturday evening game for the first day of the season and the Swans will be parading some of their new signings at the Liberty in front of a sell out crowd.

But what noises are coming out of both camps ahead of the game as the weeks of pre-season preparation (and in the case of the Swans two Europa League ties as well) finally come to an end and competitive league action returns in the first of thirty-eight league games to follow.

Swansea City

Leon Britton: "Winning will be a target for us because we've beaten other top teams. It would be nice to tick them off the list. If you talk to other players in the Premier League, they don't like coming to Swansea.

"We're very strong at home and I think that we've shown that against Manchester United in the last few years. We drew 1-1 and lost 1-0 before that. Both games could have gone either way."

Michael Laudrup: “It’s never the right time to face a team like Manchester United,” said Laudrup. “But we know we have to play them and playing them first is not bad for us.

“Whatever they do, they will put out a strong team. But I’d prefer to play them now, instead of October and November maybe.

“If you have success against a certain team, then you will try and bring that along whenever you play that club.

Manchester United

David Moyes: “I have said many times, it is as tough a start as Manchester United have had,” said Moyes on his season kick-off in South Wales.

“I looked at that a little bit questionably when I first saw it. Is there a conspiracy? Well the old manager told me those sort of things happened!

“Going to Swansea itself, they are a team with great support and Michael Laudrup did a great job last year.

“He has strengthened their team and I would expect them to be competing again. They are in European football and for Swansea to come from the level they have come from is a great achievement for them.

“So it’s a hard start for us, but if it is a hard start for Manchester United, it is a hard start for everyone else because they have to play us.”

Chris Smalling: “The Swansea game has been in our minds for a while,” he told ManUtd.com. “We saw Sunday as an important build-up to it, and after the internationals [in midweek] we’re firing and ready to go. I can’t wait for that first whistle.

“Going into the season as champions brings that expectation. We know that when we step out onto the pitch we’re seen as the best but we know we need to show that we are, and we’re all determined to do that."

Pundits and Journalists

Mark Lawrenson: "Swansea's Europa League qualifier with Malmo will have done them good because they have got a couple of competitive games under their belt already, which are better than any friendlies you can play.

"Bony looks a good signing and everything points to them kicking on again - this is season three for them in the Premier League and, after finishing ninth and winning the Capital One Cup, they will be looking for more progress.

"This looks like a tricky test for Moyes. Swansea can just keep the ball and United cannot hurt them if they do not have possession."

Photo: Action Images

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