Manchester United legend Denis Irwin has dismissed claims Manchester City are set to usurp their rivals as the city's biggest club.

The two Manchester clubs face-off tonight in the Carling Cup semi.

Irwin told manutd.com: "Not at all. It's much too early to be talking about that. I think everybody expected City to challenge for top-four honours this season - as I've said, they have a lot of good players - but to suggest they're about to eclipse Manchester United as the city's dominant force is premature.

"A shift in power doesn't happen overnight… and I hope it never happens in Manchester. United have enjoyed incredible success in the last 20 years and for whatever reason a lot of journalists would like to see that change. I admit the team have had some poor results recently but it takes more than that before you've got a crisis on your hands."