United and City go head-to-head in Premier League

LONDON (AP) -Heading into the first Manchester derby of the season on Sunday, United holds a slim lead over City in the Premier League standings.

Last season, two wins for City in the local rivalry played a big role in Manchester United surrendering the league title to its neighbors on goal difference.

United manager Alex Ferguson says those "derbies had a big impact, particularly that 6-1 defeat, on goal difference. That's what cost us.''

Third-place Chelsea trails City by seven points, and Ferguson says the Manchester rivals are the only sides in the title race.

Ferguson says "it will be difficult to think the two of us will collapse ... it will be between the two of us.''