Reds have a duty to perform

In the week of the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, and with United embroiled in an absorbing title race, Sir Alex Ferguson feels his players have a duty to perform in Sunday's Manchester derby.

The United manager is hopeful that his side can use what has been an emotional week as a source of inspiration, as Sven-Goran Eriksson's side make the short trip to Old Trafford.

"We hope it's a motivation, absolutely," Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference. "I think the players have got a responsibility on Sunday to do well. They always have, but the expectation levels may be a bit higher on Sunday.

"We have to be aware it's a derby game and stay focused on playing. Every game's a must-win. We're going for a league title, that makes every game a must-win, regardless of who we're playing."

Since Denis Law's matchwinning strike for the Blues in 1974, the Blues haven't won at Old Trafford in 27 attempts - but such stats only mask the fact that City invariably raise their game against United, and Sir Alex is wary that logic counts for nothing in derbies.

"It's an excellent record at home," he admitted. "We have a good home record in general, but it is particularly good against Manchester City.

"But we do know in derby games that anything can happen. The first game earlier this season was an amazing result. I'm saying to my players 'well done', when we've lost 1-0.

"City had one strike at goal that was deflected, but that's football. It can do these things to you. It can produce miracles and you just have to accept it can happen. Hopefully it doesn't happen Sunday."