Ali oops

The Manchester City captain is aware of the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, and the fact that United's following have to endure taunts from opposing fans that the bulk of their support does not come from the city.

"What I feel is, in Manchester, there is only one Manchester - and it is Manchester City," he proclaimed.

"In our city, people talk about our club, and only about our club.

"In the streets, people wear City shirts, not United shirts.

"City is the club of this town."

The comments are set to spark much debate in Manchester, and will no doubt be used again in some media outlets to stoke the fire ahead of the derby on November 9.

Benarbia is, meanwhile, enchanted with life under Kevin Keegan at Maine Road, and delighted to be skippering the newly-promoted side.

"Keegan is someone who had a great aura as a player, but I will say this aura is even bigger now," he stated.

"Yes, he is very ambitious.

"He wants to win, but he wants us to win by playing a beautiful game, both for the fans and the club.

"Everywhere I go, less or more, people wanted me to be captain.

"I won promotion with this team last season and Keegan asked me to wear the armband.

"Coming from him, it is a pleasure and an honour.

"I know the players who were here last season, I know the new ones too.

"I am the bond between last season's Manchester City and the one that is building up.

"We've had reinforcements with Peter Schmeichel, Nicolas Anelka and Sylvain Distin.

"It is a team for the future, that is constantly evolving.

"We don't know each other well enough to set a more ambitious aim than a place among the top ten."