Micah’s derby salvo at Reds

Micah Richards believes Manchester United are "a bit frightened" of Roberto Mancini's Manchester City ahead of Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

City are two points ahead of United at the top of the table and will play their first derby game at the home of the reigning champions in the absence of the banner that has taunted them for not winning a trophy in 35 years.

Richards, a relative veteran of the fixture having played in 10 derbies, insists City are ready to shrug off their noisy neighbours tag and build on their FA Cup success from last season.

"United now know, much as they won't say it, that we are a genuine threat to them," the 23–year–old defender said.

"We are not going out and saying we will win this game or that game, but they call us the noisy neighbours. I think they're a bit frightened."

Richards insists that unlike in previous years, City believe they have what it takes to win at Old Trafford.

"It used to be the case that we went to United and got battered every time, but in the last year or two we have sometimes looked the better team on their own patch so it shows how far we have come in a short space of time.

"If you speak to Mancini he wants to go there and win. People talked about us last season being boring and negative, but if you watch us now we are completely the opposite."

Meanwhile, United defender Chris Smalling is relishing the build–up to what he believes is "the biggest derby" in football.

"It is one game I want to win more than any other," Smalling said. "City have been investing and growing steadily and have hit some great form this season. It could come down to which is more solid because both sides have got great attacking talent. A lot of the fans enjoy the rivalry, but the players relish it as well. It is a big test."