Forget containing City, can they handle United? - De Gea lays down derby challenge

David de Gea is tired of people talking up Manchester City and has warned them that United are entering derby day in confident mood.

Ahead of an eagerly-anticipated fixture at Old Trafford, much of the pre-match attention has focused on Pep Guardiola’s free-scoring Premier League leaders.

City have been in inspired form so far in 2017-18, with results dug out on the rare occasions in which opponents are not blown away.

De Gea, though, believes that United – who sit eight points off the title pace at present – are equally as strong and feels Jose Mourinho’s side will ask plenty of questions of their own on Sunday.

Quizzed by Thierry Henry for Sky Sports on how you stop City, the Spain international goalkeeper said: "Can City stop United? We play at home with the fans.

"It's a derby, we have confidence, we feel really strong and we want to win.

"The team is in a good moment, we won two difficult away games so we have confidence and we know we play an important game. We really want to win."

United will be without the suspended Paul Pogba when City arrive at Old Trafford, but Mourinho has offered positive updates on other members of his squad hoping to play some part in a crunch clash.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Phil Jones come back into contention after shaking off knocks, while Nemanja Matic is available for selection and Marouane Fellaini will face a late fitness check.