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Manchester Derby will be game of the season: Ander Herrera

The arch-rivals go head-to-head on Thursday at the Etihad Stadium in an epic Premier League clash.

Manchester Derby will be game of the season: Ander Herrera

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera (Photo: AFP)

Manchester United midfielder has stoked the fires ahead of the Red Devils' visit to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, terming the Manchester Derby the “game of the season”, according to a statement on the club website.

United are fifth in the English Premier League table, a point behind City and should they beat their arch-rivals on Thursday, will leapfrog them into fourth place.

Champions League qualification is on the line and United’s tenacious midfielder feels the game could prove crucial in securing that final spot.

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"It's going to be the game of the season,” Herrera said, adding, "We are one point behind them and if we win, we have the chance to finish in the top four, but if they win, it will be very difficult for us.

"I don't know the 'winner takes all' expression but it's going to be a massive game. If one of us wins it, we are not going to lose a lot of games or make mistakes after that. It will be key."

United have won their last three games on the trot, the highlight being a 2-0 win over league leaders Chelsea but Herrera doesn't want to get carried away as he stresses: "We are in a very good moment, on a very good run and we respect them, but we are doing a lot of good things and we have to show it on Thursday.”

The 27-year-old also has one eye on next week's Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo, which he is desperate to win after missing out on the trophy during his time at Athletic Bilbao, who were beaten by Atletico Madrid in the 2012 final.

"We also have the Europa League, which is a competition that makes me very excited because I lost the final three or four years ago and I want to take that knife from my back," he continued.

"So hopefully we can fight for that title as well, but I know Celta Vigo are very good. They are a very difficult team," Herrera added.

(All quotes are from www.manutd.com)

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