Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is adament that he does not want rivals Manchester City to ever be successful.

United travel to the City of Manchester on Sunday for the first time ever since they were taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

The other half of Manchester has been under the shadow of their red neighbours for more than three decades. But the arrivals of the new owners and big-money signings have boosted City's confidence.

It's been 32 years since the Blues last lifted a major trophy (City beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the 1976 League Cup final) but

Of course, City and United have enjoyed simultaneous success in the past, most notably in 1968 when the Blues won the league and the Reds the European Cup. But it's not a scenario Ferdinand is keen to see repeated.

When asked at a recent Nike Inner Circle event if Manchester would benefit from a second successful side, the England defender’s response was swift and succinct.

“No,” he said. “I want United to win everything. I don’t care about what happens at City.

“Okay, if they start improving and doing well then good luck to them, but as long as they’re not above us in the league I’m happy.”

Ferdinand has played in 11 Manchester derbies since arriving at Old Trafford and can’t wait for kick-off on Sunday.

“The derby’s always a massive game and the fans are right up for it, just like the players. Supporters come up to you in the days leading up to the match and wish you good luck.

“It’s a great fixture and obviously expectations at City are a lot higher these days, so I’m sure it will make for a good game.”

The Blues won both encounters last season – 1-0 at Eastlands, 2-1 at Old Trafford – but Rio’s confident United can turn those results around this term, especially with the help of the Reds’ vocal traveling fans.

“Our away fans are unbelievable,” he said. “It’s easily the best traveling support in England. I was in the stands at Anfield [in 2006] and it was the maddest experience I’ve ever had. It was brilliant and long may our fanatical away support continue.”