GARY Bowyer has challenged Salford to find a more clinical lead to put points on the board.
The promotion favorites of the preseason got off to a stuttering start to their League Two season with just one win in six games.
Former Bantams boss Bowyer believes they are playing a lot better than the results suggest but need to start penalizing teams.
He was frustrated with their recent loss at Carlisle after Salford missed a number of opportunities.
“In terms of performance, we should have been out of sight at halftime,” he admitted. “In terms of the way we played, especially the first half, we have to be more clinical, it’s no secret.”
Salford’s only league win came in their last home game when they beat Newport 3-0.
Bowyer added, “The guys have trained really well in the five or six games too, so it’s just the finer points at either end of the pitch that we keep working on.
“In terms of performance, they are on the right track.”
Bowyer made three new signings on the cut-off date – and all of them will play against City at the Peninsula Stadium.
Salford’s close association with Manchester United brought D’Mani Mellor on loan for a season.
Mellor, who was on the bench at Brunton Park, can play both wide and through the middle and made his debut at United in the Europa League.
He succeeds Di’Shon Bernard, who made 31 appearances for United’s Salford last season.
Bernard is now with Hull, who allowed Salford to take on defense attorney Andy Smith for the entire campaign.
And the Ammies have brought another man behind in Donald Love, who left Shrewsbury in the summer and signed a one-year contract.
City fans have been warned to allow extra travel time to Salford as the Parklife Festival, Old Trafford friendly and Man United’s home game all take place.