Rooney: Liverpool still biggest game for United

Wayne Rooney has attempted to get under the skin of noisy neighbours Manchester City ahead of tomorrow’s big match at the Etihad by insisting games against Liverpool are still the real derby for Manchester United.

City’s rise from the ashes, the arrival of billionaire owners from Abu Dhabi and their dramatic title victory at the expense of United two years ago, have all combined to turn the Manchester derby into the most hyped game of the season.

It is hype that has been justified by the action on the pitch, which has included a last-minute winner from Robin van Persie in a 3-2 thriller at the Etihad last season, City’s remarkable 6-1 win at Old Trafford in 2011 and a stunning Michael Owen 95th-minute winner in 2009.