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“If we play the way we know we can, then we can certainly take the three points”.

After speculation over his involvement dominated the pre-match build-up, City captain Vincent Kompany returned at centre-back to partner Nicolas Otamendi for the first time, while Manuel Pellegrini replaced Jesus Navas with Fernando to bolster his central midfield. City are looking for their 50th competitive win in the Manchester derby (W49, D50, L69).

Stephen Tudor of TheDaisyCutter.co.uk explains why the Manchester derby is a test of Louis van Gaal’s cherished football philosphy…

But such thrills were in meagre supply throughout 90 minutes contested by two of the most expensively assembled starting XIs in Premier League history, with United failing to register a single shot in the first half for the first time in over a decade. “If you can compete (with City) we have to wait and see”, he said.

“We need to focus on what we’re about and what we’re going to do and start the game well”.

“I can see it clearly on the video that he doesn’t touch the ball but the legs of Herrera, but we don’t have that luck this season”.

“When you look at the facts they are first and we are second or third, they are the favourites I think”.

City will be unable to call upon influential duo Sergio Aguero and David Silva due to injuries, but Jones is in no doubt that they have enough quality to make up for their absences.

City edge on to 22 points, ahead of Arsenal at the summit on goal difference, while United are fourth and level on 20 with third-place West Ham.

Van Gaal bristled at the first mention of Rooney’s name in his post-match press conference. It’s a big step when we win, that’s true, but you also have to continue. After the flight we came to the AON Training Complex for recovery, we didn’t train too much today.

He suffered a 1-0 defeat in his first outing at the Etihad Stadium last November, but in the reverse fixture United clinched a superb 4-2 win thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling.

“I have to talk every week about Rooney, why?” the United manager said.

“I think for the fans it’s very emotional”.

Not in a derby, a game that always necessitates its own unique narrative and rules; a game that would keep even Kent Brockman glued to the edge of his seat.

“We have to do the meetings in shorter time, which is more hard for the players, but that is what we have to do and we are doing and we have to hope we beat Manchester City”.