Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, has admitted that Manchester City are a bigger team than his old club at present.
The Dane, who won every Manchester Derby in his eight-year spell at Old Trafford claims that he never experienced the same level of competition against United's city rivals during his playing days, with City being a third-tier team at the time when United were the biggest club in England.
"In my first couple of years (at United) I didn't understand (the rivalry with City). Liverpool and Leeds were the much bigger," he told BBC Sport.
"Now it's different. Man City are the champions, they had their second Premier League win last season and maybe at the moment they are a bigger club than Manchester United in terms of results so the significance has changed."
The 50-year-old also spent a single season at City, before hanging up his boots and also saw his son, Kasper (now at Leicester City) come through the youth system at the Etihad stadium.
He also described his experience playing against his former club as 'weird', before labelling Manchester City favourites for this weekend's derby fixture but predictied that the current champions will struggle to defend their title.
"It (the derby) is a tricky one for Manchester United because of their inconsistency," Schmeichel added.
"When you looked at how the season was going to pan out for any team last year you would say Man City were favourites (for the title).
"Eventually they did win the Premier League, but this year they have Chelsea as competition. They had a slow start and we don't really know where Man City is, but United have been so inconsistent."
Manchester United take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday at 15:30 and you can follow the game LIVE in our Match Centre.
Who do you think will win the Manchester Derby? Have your say in the comments section below.
