Nigel de Jong is confident Manchester City are on the way to competing successfully with Manchester United.

"If we don't work hard, we won't be able to compete with the big four," he said.

"I hope we can challenge United but, along with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, they have been at the top for many years.

"Many people expect us to be up there in just one year but we have to be realistic - but in two or three years, why can't we compete with United?"