Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says that the club must get used to the fact that Manchester City will be contesting for silverware on a regular basis.
United have dominated their crosstown rivals for decades until this season where the Eastlands outfit have made a right nuisance of themselves in the Red Devils pursuit for a 20th title.
Ahead of the vital Manchester derby on Monday night, Ferguson has warned United to expect a more consistent battle on a season-to-season basis with City who now appear to be the real deal.
"The support they have means we are going to be playing them in a lot of big games.
"Finals maybe, we already have done in semi-finals, an important cup tie this season.
"If we are going to be contesting for league titles regularly - and I think we will be doing - it will become just as important as the Liverpool game.
"Maybe not in terms of emotion because the Liverpool-United games are emotional.
"But there is certainly an importance which, at this moment in time, supersedes the Liverpool games.
"They are our direct opponents now. Manchester City are up against us to win titles.
"That is what our focus is on, the team who can stop us winning.""We have to get used to playing Manchester City in important games," he said. "They are not going away.
