Ander Herrera is expecting a tense affair when Manchester United meet Manchester City on Thursday.

The Red Devils make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on their crosstown rivals in a Premier League fixture of great importance.

United sit a point behind City in the race for a top-four position and midfielder Herrera is well aware just how much is at stake this week.

"It is going to be the game of the season," Herrera said.

"We are one point behind them. If we win we have the chance to finish in the top four, if they win it is going to be very difficult. It is the game of the season.

"Make or break? Probably. Both teams are in a good moment so if one of us wins the game we are not going to lose a lot of games, or make mistakes after that. Us or them. It is going to be key.

"I don't know the 'winner takes all' expression but it is going to be a massive game.

"We are in a very good moment, a very good run and we respect them but we are doing a lot of good things and we have to show it on Thursday."