De Gea Eyes Manchester Derby Win

David De Gea insists his ever-improving Manchester United side are more than capable of beating Manchester City in the 168th cross-city derby on Sunday.

The goalkeeper, who was announced as the Reds’ October Player of the Month on Friday morning, says confidence in the squad is high after Robin van Persie’s last-gasp equaliser against Chelsea last weekend.

"I think we played really well against a really very good team," the Spaniard told ManUtd.com. "We could have won but we scored in the last minute and gained confidence from the game.

"We are playing better in every game. If we play well and keep the ball like always, then we can beat Manchester City."

United’s hopes of victory at the Etihad Stadium have been boosted by news that De Gea’s compatriot – and City’s key playmaker – David Silva will miss the game through injury.

"He is one of their best players," De Gea said. "Everybody knows David Silva is a quality player; he is smart, keeps the ball very well and has the last pass."