Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insists they have the edge on Manchester City. The England centre-back even reckons Manchester City did his side a favour by winning 6-1 at Old Trafford in October.

Asked what United have got in their favour, he said: "Loads of things. I don't like to say we've got this and you haven't.

"It's all about doing it. Many players in our squad have done things but this is the most important one.

"It's not about remembering the past, it's about trying to create more history and be a part of the history of this club."

On the derby drubbing, Ferdinand added: "I'll be honest - and it pains me to say it - but it was probably one of the best things that happened to us.

"We were playing a very open kind of football. It made us sit back and think we've got to tighten up all over the pitch. If we do that, we have the players to exploit any other team when we go forward."