Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling admitted he had been impressed with the fight shown by Manchester United's players in recent games ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season.
United go into the game having won just five times in the league so far this season and 11 points behind City who are third in the table. But despite their average start to the campaign Sterling has been impressed with parts of United's game.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side beat Jose Mourinho's resurgent Tottenham team at Old Trafford on Wednesday night and the England international admired the fight shown by his rivals.
"The last couple of games I have seen them they have been very intense," Sterling told Football Focus. "They’re fighting for their manager, their team and their football club and that’s really great to see when squad players fight for the shirt, and that’s what they’re doing."
Marcus Rashford has been United's most in form player scoring nine goals in the league already this season and Sterling is more than aware of the threat his England teammate poses.
"Their front line is their biggest threat," he said. "They’ve got Marcus (Rashford) up front who’s a real hazard in and around the box."
And the City attacker, who has been exceptional for the Blues again this season, is hoping to get on the score sheet himself having never scored against United in his career.
"I look forward to changing that stat this weekend," he added.
In recent years United haven't challenged for the title with City winning the trophy for the last two seasons but Sterling believes despite the difference between the two sides it's still a huge clash.
"We all know who Manchester United are as a club," Sterling said. "They’re going through a transitional period but they play some great football at times and they’ve played against the big teams this season and got results out of those games so we know it will always be a difficult game and this time is no different."
