Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher concedes Manchester City are genuine title contenders.

Fletcher admits that this season, unlike in previous years, City are genuine contenders for the league title.

"The Manchester derby has always been massive, but now City are genuine title contenders for the first time, that makes it even bigger," explained the 27-year-old.

"In previous years, it was bragging rights in the city if you won - it's a lot more than that now.

"For years, City weren't really a threat to us in the league. The derby was always a big game, but now it's huge in terms of the points at stake and where the title may end up at the end of the season.

"City did the double over us in 2008, but we still went on to win the league. But now, those six points away from us and to them would be massive in the context of the title run-in.

"That's why the game is so big now and why everyone's hyping it up.

"It's the biggest Manchester derby for years and as players you get that special feeling when these kind of games come around."