Lindegaard: Title Race Still Open

Many have already predicted this season's title battle will be a straight race between United and City, but Anders Lindegaard still believes it's too early to say who will be the Reds' biggest challengers.

Much of the attention this season has been focused on the progress of both Manchester clubs who meet at Old Trafford in Sunday's eagerly anticipated derby clash. And while Lindegaard admits to be being impressed with the Blues this season, he remains wary of the threat posed by Chelsea, who lay just a point behind United and three behind City.

"Four games ago I would have said it will be between City and United, but Chelsea seem to be going well as well," the goalkeeper told PA Sport after keeping a clean sheet in the win over Otelul Galati. "You can't say it is just about United and City now. It is too early.

"I think City have looked very good. They have quality players in all positions. They have two for each position, just like us. There is no doubt it is going to be a tight race this year."

Lindegaard says the players are well aware of the importance of this weekend's derby which Sir Alex has labelled the biggest in his 25 years at Old Trafford. But the Danish stopper insists the squad will prepare for the match as they would for any other with victory being the sole aim.

"One of the things that impressed me most when I came to United is that every game is handled the same way," he explains. "It doesn't matter whether it is Crawley at home or Chelsea away. It has always been very serious. It seems like one of the cornerstones of this club is to always take your opponent seriously. It is going to be a normal build up to the City game, as it would be with any other."