Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes that Manchester United are favourites heading into the Manchester derby this weekend.

It has been a tale of contrasting fortunes for the two Manchester clubs over the past few weeks and the tables seems to have turned quite dramatically as United have moved above City in the Premier League standings despite all their apparent problems this year.

Ahead of Sunday's derby clash at Old Trafford, many feel that United have the edge and former Gunners midfielder Merson has also backed the Red Devils to claim a victory over their rivals.

Merson said on Sky Sports: "If you had asked me six weeks ago I would have said that City would be the biggest banker you'd ever see in your life but I don't see that now.

"Man Utd are favourites. They've turned a corner. They are buying in to what the manager wants.

"Louis van Gaal has got everybody confident and playing well while City's confidence must be low, they've lost three in a row. You can't just turn it on, like a tap."