'I fear Villa more than Man City'

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal was more worried about playing Aston Villa than he feels about facing local rivals and champions Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Third-placed United have won five successive Premier League games and eight of their last 10 to move above City in the table and victory in the 169th Manchester derby would extend the advantage over their neighbours to four points.

"On Sunday we have to wait and see if we can continue our good shape against City," Van Gaal told reporters. "I had more fear for Villa (who United beat 3-1 last week) than City because every player shall be motivated and want to win."

"Villa were more defensive but I don't expect City shall play as defensively as Villa did, and then you need a lot of focus and concentration on our defence."