Kings of Manchester: Who will reign when United and City clash?

· Sky-PL

Manchester City have been "the Kings of Manchester".

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Maresca outlined the importance of these Manchester match-ups to all involved.

> "It's special because it's two teams in the same city. It's special for the fans, the club, for everyone," said Maresca.

> "I'm very excited. These are the games I like. These are the games we want. We know it's going to be a tough game. Since Michael [Carrick] took over they're doing a fantastic job. We can show respect in the derby by trying to be ourself and go there to try to win."

Carrick on how the derby changed

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick refused to be drawn into Elliot Anderson's claim that Manchester City are the 'Kings of Manchester' ahead of Sunday's derby

Michael Carrick was a Manchester United player when City were labelled "noisy neighbours" by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. But the current United head coach says City's subsequent Premier League wins and triumphs in the derby have ramped up the rivalry.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick said: "When I first came to the club, to be honest, it wasn't like it is now.

> "In 20 years, it's kind of grown, it's developed, it's changed a little bit over the years."

Carrick pinpoints Vincent Kompany's derby winner in April 2012 - a month before City's last-day Premier League title triumph - as a key moment in the duel for supremacy in Manchester.

> "The one where we ended up losing the league, when Kompany scored the header towards the end of the season. We had a bit of a lead and then we lost it, and then we lost it at the end of the season. That felt quite a big moment," he said.

> "That's just the one that we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most."

There have been glorious derby days for United, too, which Carrick remembers more fondly.

> "Probably the [2010 League Cup] semi-final is up there, when we won late and I scored and Wayne [Rooney] scored a header. That was a good day.

> "Robin [Van Persie] scoring in the last minute [in the Premier League win at the Etihad in December 2012] the last time we won the league.

> "When Michael [Owen] scored that one at the Stratford End [in September 2009]."

> "Wayne's overhead kick in 2011? I forgot about that one! That was a special one."

Carrick is now hoping to add to that list. "There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday."

Expert view: Man Utd season in the balance, says Merson

Sky Sports' Paul Merson:

> Manchester United have got the Manchester derby - and their season is in the balance too. If you beat Manchester City, you're flying. If you get beat by Manchester City, here we go again.

> It would be one point from two games including the Everton game. And other teams are winning around you.

> So I am worried - and this is why I didn't put Manchester United in my top five at the start of the season. Nothing's changed for me since then. When you draw games, it hurts you.

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