Blackmore hoping for a cricket score

CLAYTON Blackmore makes no apologies for choosing club over country on Sunday when he wants Manchester United to beat Swansea City by "a cricket score."

Blackmore spent 12 years at Old Trafford between 1982 and 1994 during which he lifted the FA Cup, European Cup Winners' Cup and League Cup.

The former Wales international also won the Premier League title in 1993, something the class of 2012 are trying to emulate.

But their derby defeat to Manchester City on Monday saw momentum swing back in their rivals favour.

With two games to go, Manchester City sit top of the table thanks to a goal difference eight better than United's.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side must now hope they beat Swansea and Sunderland while their neighbours stumble.

If City win both their remaining matches against Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers, United's only hope is to better Roberto Mancini's men in the scoring stakes.

And Blackmore wants to see his former side gunning for goals when they face Swansea.

"After Monday, United will definitely be fired up and that could be bad news for Swansea," he said.

"I wouldn't rule out anything because United are capable of scoring a lot of goals.

"If City win both of their games, United might have to win by five or six against either Sunderland or Swansea — and they could do just that.

"I hope it will be a cricket score, 10-0 to United would be great.

"Swansea have been great this year and I'm pleased for them. Next year, I hope they come second to United.

"But they've done their job, they're safe now so on Sunday, all I want is a heavy United win."

Blackmore was born in Neath 47 years ago and ended his career with his hometown club in 2009.

In between the versatile player who operated at full-back and in midfield represented Middlesborough, Bristol City, Barnsley and Notts County, as well as United.

He currently coaches the under-15 side at Old Trafford and also mentor's older youth players.

"I've been worried about Swansea coming up here," he said.

"They could do a bit of a job on us.

"They will have a lot of possession and like to play football and we seem to let teams do that.

"I said three years ago when (Roberto) Martinez was in charge that Swansea would find it easier in the Premier League.

"Their style is more suited to it."

Swansea are playing for pride and the increased prize money a higher league placing would bring after securing Premier League safety last weekend.

Brendan Rodgers's side have cruised clear of relegation despite being widely tipped for the drop.

There are again suggestions they will struggle next term because teams have had time to work them out.

Blackmore reckons Swansea will again defy the doubters.

"Teams can get to know how you play," he added.

"At home this year, Swansea had 75 per cent of the ball against Newcastle and lost.

"I think they need to get another striker because they need goals.

"They've been lucky but if anything happens to key players, they're in trouble.

"If they can get a few quality players in it would make a big difference.

"But I think they'll be fine again.

"People will always say they'll struggle in the second season because that's what's happened to other teams.

"But Swansea are different."