Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Sunday's derby at Manchester City isn't about making a statement.

The match will be held a week after new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe talked about "knocking City off their perch".

But Ten Hag says: "I think that has nothing to do with each other. But we want to win every game. That is always our mentality and our approach in every game. It doesn't matter who is the opponent. But, as I say, you always want to play against the best.

"So, most of the time we feel, and you can also see it, the opposition get the best outputs against Manchester United. Maybe this game is the other way around but we know we have to give everything and show a team performance, if we want to get the result. But if you do it, it is possible. That is also what the opposition shows in this moment against Manchester City."

On past positive results against City, he said: "We did it in several ways, many ways, and been successful. So, from all the games, we look back. We had the opportunity to win one time and you need a great day. That is also what we know, so the players have to give the best performances."

Asked if the result could define their season, Ten Hag added: "No. Because there are many more games to play. We are in the FA Cup, in a great game. After City, there are coming many more games and we know we have to catch up but, after that, is coming more games to catch up and to get in the right position."