Sir Alex labels Manchester derby 'a shootout'

Posted by James McCann

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described this Monday's Manchester derby as possibly the most important in the history of the fixture.

According to the reds boss, it will be akin to a 'shootout' when his side take on Roberto Mancini's men, and the 70-year-old said the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium will be one of the best ever.

City head into the fixture just two points behind their rivals and know that victory would put them firmly in contention to win their first championship for 44 years, but Ferguson knows his side have what it takes to kill off competitors' title hopes, having lifted 12 league crowns during his time at Old Trafford.

"I think our fans would look upon it as a special one because it's against their most bitter rivals. If you ask any of the fans then I know what they would say. For me, it's another league," the United boss added.

Both sides have enjoyed healthy leads at the top of the table throughout the campaign and Ferguson admitted that it will be difficult for the team that misses out to accept second place – something that would mean a trophy-less season for whoever is runner-up.

"You have an interesting combination of teams - the one with the best home record and the one with the best away record. It's a shootout, isn't it?"

"It means everything to the supporters. Going in to work next Tuesday morning will be the most important day of their lives.