Manchester United have slapped their players with a media gag ahead of Monday's derby at Manchester City. The Manchester Evening News says manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants his side to focus solely on what he believes is the biggest derby he has been involved in and has put a block on any of his squad talking about the match at the Etihad Stadium.

Requests for player interviews have been declined as the Reds look to recover from Sunday's 4-4 home draw against Everton which has re-ignited the Premier League title race.