Idman.biz
The recent successes of Manchester United in the English Premier League (EPL) have not left indifferent Rauf Mammadov, one of the leading Azerbaijani grandmasters, a long-time loyal and active fan of the Red Devils.
According to Idman.Biz, in the last two rounds of the EPL, Manchester United defeated the championship leaders Manchester City (2:0) and Arsenal (3:2). Thanks to these results, under the leadership of new head coach Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have risen to fourth place in the tournament table and even have a chance to join the championship race.
According to Azerbaijani grandmaster Rauf Mammadov, a Manchester United fan, the club's new head coach played a major role in these victories.
"Manchester United's last two victories made me very happy. It's also nice that the coach is one of our own. I think Solskjaer was also one of us. They wanted both results and the game in the club, and now they have them. That's why I'm happy that Carrick is at the head of Manchester United. As for whether the team will compete for the championship, I believe that the main goal this season is still to qualify for the Champions League," Mammadov said.
It should be noted that earlier the media reported on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's possible return to Manchester United. However, the club's management preferred Carrick in its choice.
Speaking about his plans for this year, the grandmaster said that he is currently focusing all his attention on preparing for the Azerbaijani championship, which will be held in February. It should be reminded that Rauf Mammadov will perform in that tournament as the reigning champion.
"I am currently preparing for the Azerbaijani championship and will try to repeat last year's success. The tournament will, of course, be different from last year, as Teymur Rajabov, Vasif Durarbayli and Vugar Asadli will not participate. Nevertheless, the championship will be very strong and competitive," the chess player noted.
Rauf Mammadov also commented on the game of Azerbaijani grandmaster Aydin Suleymanli, who is currently participating in the traditional Tata Steel Challengers tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands. Currently, Aydin is in third place, half a point behind the leading pair.
"Aydin is great, he has been fighting for first place for the second year in a row. I wish him success and believe that he will eventually win," R.Mammadov added.
It should be reminded that last year Aydin Suleymanli shared 1-2 places in the Wijk aan Zee tournament, but was content with the second place according to additional indicators.
