SAF wary of Blues' threat

"Their fans would love to think they can stop us winning the league. There’s nothing wrong with that, our fans would be exactly the same. That's the nature of derbies."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester City will be desperate to stop United taking a huge step towards the Premier League title this weekend.

Mark Hughes' Blues visit Old Trafford on Sunday, with United just seven points away from a third straight domestic crown. According to the United manager, City will take motivation from the chance to help out second-placed Liverpool.

"Their fans would love to think they can stop us winning the league," Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference. "It’s a natural thing that can happen. There’s nothing wrong with that, we’d be the same probably. Our fans would be exactly the same. They’re rivalries that involve everyone and I understand their desire to try and beat us on Sunday."

Having ended a 32-year wait to win at Old Trafford in last season's emotional post-Munich anniversary clash, City will be shooting for a second successive victory on enemy turf. But, with United on the brink of an English record-equalling 18th league title, Sir Alex admits his side have plenty riding on Sunday's clash.

"City will be desperate to win again," he said. "It (last season's defeat) was an emotional day for everyone at the club. It was difficult to handle, and we realised that afterwards. But that was over a year ago.

"There are only four games left for us and we’ve got to think of winning it. We’re so close now, it’s ours to win and in our form we’ve got a good chance."