It's a matter of pride: Wayne Rooney

Manchester: Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney termed today's Manchester derby as "a massive game of pride" and he said that he is determined to give the fans a smile on their face when they get back to work on Monday after the tie.

Wayne Rooney controls the ball as Danny Welbeck looks on during a training session in Manchester, England. Pic/ Getty Images

Reds supporters haven't been able to do that too often recently after four successive defeats in the battle between Manchester's two teams but, having already done the double over Liverpool this term, Rooney is determined to change that.

Rooney is the club's top scorer in the Manchester derby with 11 goals, and he'll look to lead from the front for a victory that not only carries bragging rights between Reds and Blues in the city and around the world, but also offers three vital points in the top-four race.

"I think it's a very important game for Manchester United and Manchester City... for the fans and, for me, it's a massive game of pride," Wayne was quoted as saying to by the club's website when asked what the derby means to him.

"You play for Man United, you want to win these derby games. We want to give United fans something to smile about when they go to work on Monday morning, we want them to be the ones to be able to give out the banter to Manchester City fans at work."

United haven't beaten City since December 2012. A win for United here will open up a five-point gap between them and City.