(Manchester United News)
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke feels the Reds have earned the right to be considered favourites for Sunday's eagerly-awaited derby.
Speaking during a visit to Old Trafford on Friday, the 1999 Treble-winner believes it is impossible to overlook the record of Louis van Gaal's men since defeat in the corresponding fixture at the Etihad Stadium in November, a run of results that have taken United above City in the Barclays Premier League table.
"I think, on current form, United are probably favourites," he told ManUtd.com. "Over the last 21 games, we've only had two defeats in that spell which is a good return but we're playing the current champions and they'll be up for it.
"It's a local derby and maybe form does go out of the window in this particular game. We know they've got some match-winning players in their squad and if they play anything like to their capabilities, it will be a difficult and tight match that I don't think anybody could call.
"Certainly, the city of Manchester is buzzing. Everybody is talking about it and both teams know the importance of getting three points on the day."
Yorke adds that the style of football under van Gaal gets his seal of approval and the backing of the Old Trafford faithful could help tip the balance on the day.
"It's certainly improved over the last couple of months in terms of our consistency and getting results," the ex-forward stated. "We're also playing particularly well with the kind of attractive football we all love to see United play.
"More importantly, we're getting results which are shooting us up the league and giving us a good chance to play in the Champions League next season.
"We've come through a very difficult sequence of games, including Liverpool and Tottenham, which everyone thought was going to be testing. In terms of United having to qualify for the Champions League, these are the games we need to win. Having home advantage, the fans will be right up for it and hopefully that can make the difference in our favour."
