Alex Ferguson targets epic Manchester derby triumph
Manchester United manager says a victory over local rivals City at Eastlands tomorrow would be one of his club's 'best-ever results'
Alex Ferguson lit the fuse on a potentially explosive showdown with Manchester City as the Manchester United manager claimed a victory at Eastlands would be one of his club's greatest-ever results.
For the first time in 44 years, City will go into the Manchester derby as reigning English champions, but the bragging rights from pipping United to the title on the final day of last season will count for nothing if Ferguson's side inflict a first league defeat of the season on Roberto Mancini's men at Eastlands tomorrow.
United are three points clear of second-placed City at the top of the Premier League and the prospect of allowing their bitter rivals to extend that lead is certain to provoke a ferocious response from the hosts after their midweek Champions League exit.
With United showing alarming defensive frailties in recent weeks, encapsulated by a chaotic 4-3 win at Reading last week, Ferguson knows it won't be easy to subdue City, especially as the Blues have a formidable record on their home turf.
City haven't lost a league home game since Everton won at Eastlands in December 2010 and they can also take confidence from a pair of league victories over their bitter rivals last season.
In the circumstances, Ferguson believes a derby victory would rank as one of the all-time great United triumphs.