MANCHESTER -- Ander Herrera has said the pressure is on "favourites" Manchester City to lift the Premier League trophy.

Manchester United and their neighbours have identical records at the top of the Premier League.

But ahead of a potential all-Manchester battle for the title, Herrera saids Pep Guardiola's outlay of £205 million on five new players in the summer, along with a trophyless campaign last season, has heaped the pressure on City.

"Man City have spent the biggest amount in the Premier League so they are the principle contenders for the title," he said after a weekend that saw United beat Everton 4-0 and City put six past Watford.

"We will try to be there as well, we have quality as well, and we will fight for every title.

"But I think because of the money they have spent they are the favourites. There is always pressure when you spend a lot, but there is also pressure on us because we are the biggest club in England.

"We won three titles last season and City didn't win anything. They are under pressure. They need titles. But you know when you play for Man United, wining is an expectation and an obligation -- but I like that obligation, to be honest."

Herrera was a key part of Jose Mourinho's team last season as United won the Community Shield, the League Cup and the Europa League.

He was named man of the match in the Europa League final against Ajax just days after winning the club's Player of the Year award.

Ander Herrera does not believe Man United are under as much pressure as Man City. David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images

But he has found opportunities harder to come by this season, starting just once in the Premier League, primarily because of Nemanja Matic's arrival from Chelsea.

Herrera was linked with a summer move to Barcelona, while there have been reports in Spain about a possible January move to Valencia.

But the midfielder insists he would only be ready to leave Old Trafford once he has cemented his place as a "legend."

"I feel as important as I did last season," he said. "I am a team player and I always say that and if the manager decides to keep me on the bench, I will be ready. "I know how lucky I am to play for Manchester United. I will try to enjoy every minute I have on the pitch.

"I want to win titles and feel part of the team and feel important, and I really do feel important because the manager makes me feel important.

"I am happy to be part of Manchester United. When you play for the biggest club, it is not so easy to play every game, every minute."

He said teammates such as Matic, Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini "make me a better player, and I think I make them better players."

And he added: "This is a team, and when I retire I want to be remembered in this club.

"I work hard on the pitch and in training every day, and I will never regret my time here."