Derby now rated the biggest game by Ferguson

Whilst Manchester City chief Roberto Mancini has been attempting to play down the chances of his side ending the season as Premier League champions, Ferguson is happy to talk up the pressure.

It is a situation United created for themselves when they threw away that two-goal advantage against Everton on Sunday, and, in the process, allowed City to creep within striking distance.

“I am a confirmed masochist,” said Ferguson. “When the fixtures came out at the beginning of the season, it all pointed to this game. It was inevitable I suppose. In the context of our history, we almost expected it.

“Our supporters have been subjected to that drama for years and years. God knows what they are like just now.”

It is true that United tend to make life hard for themselves.

That epic 1999 Champions League final victory is the most obvious example but there are plenty of other instances down the years where the Red Devils have staggered over the line after initially appearing to saunter towards it.

There is one clear advantage this time around, which could be vital – they do not actually have to win.

“We know the exact situation we are in here,” said Ferguson. “We are in a better position than Manchester City.

“We can get two results, they can only get one.

“They have to win. We can draw or we can win, although you know my attitude and the club’s attitude. We will be trying to win.”

What is being billed as the most important Manchester derby of all is the latest in a succession of intense fixtures between the red and blue halves of a divided city.

“We have to get used to playing Manchester City in important games,” said Ferguson. “They are not going away. The support they have means we are going to be playing them in a lot of big games; finals maybe. We already have done in semi-finals and an important cup tie this season.

“If we are going to be contesting for league titles regularly – and I think we will be doing – it will become just as important as the Liverpool game.

“Maybe not in terms of emotion but there is certainly an importance which, at this moment in time, supercedes the Liverpool games.

“They are our direct opponents now. Manchester City are up against us to win titles. That is what our focus is on, the team who can stop us winning.”