Beating City will be one of our greatest ever results, claims Ferguson after warning United players to 'get their act together' for Manchester derby

By John Edwards

PUBLISHED: 06:41 EST, 6 December 2012 | UPDATED: 18:20 EST, 6 December 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson began the countdown to an eagerly awaited Manchester derby by insisting that victory for his Barclays Premier League leaders would count alongside his finest achievements.

A trophy-laden Old Trafford reign has had its share of memorable performances and results - not least wrenching the Champions League trophy from Bayern Munich's grasp with two added-time goals at the Nou Camp in 1999.

Defeat: United were beaten by Cluj at Old Trafford on Wednesday night

The stakes may not be quite so high at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, but that did not stop master psychologist Ferguson yesterday claiming a win over arch-rivals Manchester City would compare with anything in his 26 years as United manager.

As he prepared to put his three-point lead on the line against the champions, Ferguson said: 'If we win it will be one of our best ever results. They are a really good,  powerful team with massive players. It won't be easy and if we defend like we did at Reading, we'll be in trouble.

'The important thing for us is to take lessons from the mistakes we're making and do something about it. We need to find a solution.' 

One answer may lie in the January transfer window, with Ferguson intensifying his search for defensive reinforcements and even weighing up a move for another keeper. Right back Rafael believes injured pride will provide a short-term  remedy. 

The Brazilian described how he and his team-mates are still hurting after the title was snatched from them by City's last-second Sergio Aguero goal against QPR, while United's players waited for news beside the pitch at Sunderland. 'We are really determined to make up for losing the title to them last season,' he said. 'The way we lost it  made it even harder to accept.

In the stands: Ferguson watches United alongside David Gill on Wednesday

'I will never forget how I felt that night and that will give us more motivation, definitely. It was hard to take. It took ages to get over it - and the pain is still there.' 

Rafael readily accepted that United could be in for more pain if they continue their slipshod ways at the back. 'I don't know why we have had problems defending this season,' he said. 'Sometimes, we have conceded some goals and we need to work on this. If we work hard in training I'm sure we can learn to defend better.

'In the Premier League, City are doing very well and just seem to keep going and going. But we just need to concentrate on ourselves. It is a big game for us and we need to play at our best level.

'Of course, as the manager has said, if we defend like we have done in some games, we will be in real trouble against a team like City. That's 100 per cent sure.

'They have a very good attack with some quality strikers. This will be our biggest test of the season. They have two Argentina strikers and I am from Brazil so that increases the rivalry for me. It would be very important to build a six-point lead over them before Christmas. That would make them nervous and make it easier for us.

Rivalry: Ferguson and Mancini will face each other once more on Sunday

'It has been a good season for me personally, because I have played most of the games at right back and that is good. Everyone wants to play games. I just hope I can keep it going.' 

While Ryan Giggs risked adding an extra edge to proceedings by reiterating his belief that Liverpool are United's true derby rivals, Wayne Rooney outlined his side's upbeat approach to avenging  last season's two league defeats by City.

'It's a massive game on Sunday and it was nice to get the win at Reading,' said Rooney. 'It means we can go into the game knowing we are three points above City. It gives us that extra belief and confidence to go there and try to get the three points.

'It is starting to look like a two-horse race, but this is a crazy league and anything can happen. We saw Chelsea at the top for the first eight or nine games. We were five or six points behind, so you have to stay focused for all of the games.' 

After having a scan on his injured calf yesterday, midfielder Tom Cleverley looks to be losing his fight to be fit for Sunday. There was  better news for centre back Nemanja Vidic, though, after he stayed behind for extra training and came through it well. He could figure - if only on the bench.