Idman.biz
Manchester United's recent successes in the English Premier League (EPL) have not left indifferent Rauf Mammadov, one of Azerbaijan's leading grandmasters and 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 the new head coach Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have risen to fourth place in the standings and even have a chance to join the championship fight.
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 is also nice that the coach is one of us. I think Solskjaer was also one of us. The club wanted both results and the game, and now they have it. That's why I'm glad Carrick is at the helm of Manchester United. As for whether the team will fight for the championship, I think the main goal this season is still to qualify for the Champions League," said Mammadov.
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 their choice.
Speaking about his plans for this year, the grandmaster said that he is currently focusing all his attention on preparing for the Azerbaijan Championship to be held in February. It should be reminded that Rauf Mammadov will perform in that tournament as the defending champion.
"I am currently preparing for the Azerbaijan Championship and will try to repeat last year's success. The tournament, of course, will be different from last year, because 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 performance of Azerbaijani grandmaster Aydin Suleymanli, who is currently participating in the traditional Tata Steel Challengers tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands. Aydin is currently in third place, half a point behind the leading pair.
"Aydin is great, he has been fighting for first place for the second year already. I wish him success and I believe that he will eventually win," added R.Mammadov.
It should be reminded that last year Aydin Suleymanli shared 1-2 places in the Wijk aan Zee tournament, but was limited to the second place according to additional indicators.
