• Premier League

Fergie relishing Manchester derby prospect

ESPN staff
October 19, 2011
Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping for another derby win © Getty Images
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says this Sunday's Premier League clash with league leaders Manchester City could be one of the most intense derbies yet.

Ferguson guided Manchester United to victory over Romanian title winners Otelul Galati in Bucharest on Tuesday evening, while their city rivals enjoyed a last-gasp triumph over Villarreal to record their first Champions League win. As both sides head into the weekend on the back of positive results, Ferguson says that he, like both sets of supporters, is eagerly anticipating the match.

"The last couple of years they [the derbies] have become more intense and there is more importance attached to them," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"On Sunday it's top of the league and second-top, and it really builds up into a fantastic prospect for everyone. I am looking forward to that."

Wayne Rooney held his nerve from the penalty spot to to help United to the win on Tuesday, and in the process became the highest English scorer in the Champions League with 26 goals. Despite the manner in which his team scored, Ferguson was always confident of claiming maximum points.

"I don't think we were lucky," he said. "We were the better team. We dominated possession and improved in the second half, particularly through Nani, Anderson and Rooney. Those three players changed the game," said Ferguson.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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