Louis van Gaal is wary that Manchester City will be threatened by the imposing form of the Red Devils, as they prepare for a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Citizens currently hold the bragging rights after their previous meeting in November, but the United boss willMa be hoping for a different story this time right. A single goal from Sergio Aguero handed City the honours at the Etihad Stadium, as the Red Devils registered just two attempts on target.
However, van Gaal’s side have undoubtedly improved over the last few months, and after their fifth consecutive victory on Saturday, the 3-1 win over Aston Villa saw them leapfrog the reigning Premier League champions as a result.
And speaking ahead of the upcoming Manchester derby, the Dutchman believes his side will now have the edge of their recent run of results in a tough set of fixtures.
“Of course form plays a part in the spirit of our opponents and also our players,” he said. “We have more confidence now and when they lose a point then it’s also sitting in their minds.
“Maybe it plays a role but that is dependable on the individual player and I don’t know the individual players of Manchester City so well. But we have a lot of confidence and we haven’t lost so many times at home.”
The 63-year-old also suggested his side will be unrecognisable from the starting line-up who struggled horrendously at the Etihad Stadium, after seeing a number of players progress rapidly – most notably the likes of midfield trio Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera.
“It was another Manchester United, I believe,” he added. “That was more in the start of the process and now we are in the end of the process. Now we have developed the team.
“I think also the confidence of our players is very high at the moment but also our performances show that so it’s not the same Manchester United.”
Victory on Sunday could see United rise four points clear of their noisy neighbours.
