Manchester United defender Chris Smalling rates the derby with Manchester City as the club's biggest game of the season.

The 21-year-old grew up supporting Arsenal with the north London derby the biggest clash in his sporting calendar, but after starting on the bench in last season's Manchester derby at Eastlands he understands the magnitude of the fixture.

"It is one game I want to win more than any other," Smalling told the Manchester Evening News. "I think this is the biggest game and biggest derby we face now.

"City have been investing and growing steadily and have hit some great form this season.

"Straightaway when you come here to the city the Manchester derby is something everybody talks about.

"Yes I was an Arsenal fan and loved the derbies I went to see against Spurs. I loved the passion of the occasion. But I am very much United now and this derby has overtaken the north London one in my mind."