Man City vs. Man United: What the Fans Are Saying on Twitter

In recent seasons, the Manchester Derby has become one of the most anticipated matches in world football. A fixture that once mattered little outside Manchester, is now, thanks to City’s rise, more than just a game to determine local bragging rights—it’s a six-pointer at the top of the table.

This year’s match arrives very early in the season, so won’t be vital in terms of league position, but the winner will get a huge psychological boost. Beating your rivals is always important.

Both teams won in Europe on Tuesday and go into the game confident and well rested—it all looks set to be a great game. Here are some of the thoughts of fans and ex-players on Twitter ahead of the match.

For City, former midfielders Paul Lake, Dietmar Hamman and Kevin Horlock are all looking forward to it:

"

I used to spend the eve of the derby visualising myself playing well, tackling hard and making good decisions #champingatthebit #COYB #mcfc

— Paul Lake (@Paul_Lake) September 21, 2013"

"

Very good results for United and City.City free flowing in the 2nd half.Should be a great spectacle this weekend #Derby

— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) September 17, 2013"

"

Heading North nice and early for Manchester tomorrow,don't want to be stuck in traffic with all the Utd barmy army #derbyday

— Kevin Horlock (@Kevinhorlock6) September 21, 2013"

Ric Turner from the Blue Moon website and podcast was sceptical about the motives behind some of Rooney's pregame comments:

"

Bingo! Rooney has claimed the derby isn't their biggest game. Just need the history/class angle in tomorrow's papers for the full house.

— Ric Turner (@bluemoon_mcfc) September 21, 2013"

After a trip to Ibiza, The Paris Angel said that, for once, he felt no nerves prior to a derby match:

"

I might go to Ibiza the week before every derby from now on. Zero nerves. I think I've destroyed them.

— Macca (@The_Paris_Angel) September 21, 2013"

While Anis Bazza thinks he knows Pellegrini's line-up:

"

@OurCityViews Pellegrini will play: Hart, Zaba, Kompany, Nasty, Kolarov. Yaya, Fernandinho, Milner, Navas, Aguero & Dzeko.

— TikaTakaGuy (@TikaTakaGuy) September 20, 2013"

From a United perspective, Duncan Drasdo, CEO of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, claimed it was now the biggest rivalry in football:

"

For City.... MT @hopesolo: Really excited for the big derby game this weekend. City v United is the biggest rivalry in soccer!

— Duncan Drasdo (@Drasdo) September 21, 2013"

Rio Ferdinand seems excited:

"

Who's ready for the derby?! Can't wait already!!

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 20, 2013"

And finally, ex-United and England full-back Gary Neville tweeted Morrissey’s "Everyday is Like Sunday" to get everyone in the mood for the big match:

"

Friday night song! Derby Weekend in Manchester!  http://t.co/v4HIUYtcaG

— G.Neville (@GNev2) September 20, 2013"

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here @TypicalCity.