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Wayne Rooney has taunted Manchester City ahead of the derby on Sunday by claiming it is not the biggest game of the season for Manchester United.

Rooney turned up the heat ahead of the showdown at the Etihad by insisting the champions' games against Liverpool mean more than those against the noisy neighbours from the blue half of town.

United took revenge for City snatching the Premier League crown from them on goal difference in 2012 by strolling to the title by an 11-point margin last season.

And ahead of the first encounter of the new campaign between the Premier League’s top two sides of the past two years, Rooney put ambitious City in their place with the withering put-down.

Asked if United vs City was now THE biggest rivalry in English football, England international Rooney said: “They’re all big games. Obviously United and Liverpool has been a massive game over the years.

“City have had their success recently, but I would probably say that United and Liverpool is still the biggest game.”

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Now-retired United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with whom Rooney fell out last season, prompting the striker to consider his United future, has hailed the striker as being back to his best after three goals in two games.

Rooney has an impressive record against City, with five goals in his last six games against them.

And he admitted he is relishing the chance to continue that run in the latest clash between the local rivals.

“It’s a massive game between two title contenders,” said Rooney. “It’s not going to define the season, but it’s a big game, a local derby.

“The English players are more aware of what it means after the last four or five years. It’s a big game and we’ll be going there hopefully to win. I’ve scored a few goals against City and I’m looking forward to the match.”

Meanwhile, United keeper David De Gea praised Rooney’s return to form and said the striker, who reached 200 goals for United with a midweek brace in the Champions League, could not be in better form ahead of the derby.

“Not only did he score goals,” said De Gea. “He played some great football, worked hard, brought dynamism to the team and played a really great game.

“It’s good for us that he and Robin [van Persie] score goals. It’s important. They are key players and this year they will combine to great effect.”

Probable teams

City Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Toure, Fernandinho; Navas, Aguero, Silva; Dzeko.

United De Gea; Smalling, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini; Valencia, Rooney, Nani; Van Persie.

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