United make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium for the 1pm kick-off, live on Sky, with a three-point cushion over their arch-rivals seven months after seeing their Premier League crown snatched away on goal difference.
And with Roberto Mancini's men playing soon after their miserable Champions League exit and their manager highly critical of his lacklustre attacking force, Rooney believes momentum in the title race has shifted towards the red side of the city.
"If we win it will put more pressure on them," the 27-year-old England star said. "Three points would be massive. Us going six points clear would be a big statement.
"With City out of the Champions League, they are having a bit of a tough time - I think everyone can see that.
"We're in a great position and don't want to give it up. There is a big rivalry, the two of us are fighting for that no 1 spot."
City can boast over a perfect record from last season after a 6-1 demolition at Old Trafford, before a hard-fought and decisive 1-0 win at home with two matches left before the end of the campaign.
Sergio Aguero's last-gasp winner against QPR on the last day of the season was the goal that provided City their first top-flight trophy for 44 years.
Rooney added: "It still hurts, yeah, of course. But that's gone now. We have to look forward to this season."
And as we look forward to the season, let's take a look at 5 players to watch out for in this mouth watering Fixture.
5. JOE HART
Joe currently is the undisputed Manchester City no.1. Most people don't even remember that City has a second choice goal keeper.
Hart has been fantastic this season and is the reason why City have conceded the least goal in the premier League.
Hart will have to be at His best to stop United's goal scoring strikers.
4. DAVID DE GEA/ LINDEGAARD
Manchester united have conceded a lot of goals this season in the League, and the Goal keepers have a share of the blame.
United Goal keepers seem to be finding it difficult to deal with set pieces, and with City always a threat from set piece with the likes of Toure, Dzeko and Mario Balotelli in their team, all eyes will be on the United Goal keepers to see how well they will deal with balls coming into the United 18 yard area of the pitch.
3. YAYA TOURE
The current African footballer of the year, has proved to be City's key man whenever it comes to the big occasions. Yaya Toure netted the goal that sent United packing from the FA Cup two seasons ago and also scored for them against Chelsea in the Community Shield earlier on in the season.
The giant figure in the midfield will once again pose a threat to United with his physical strength and ability to rise to the very big occasion. Definitely He will be a figure to be watched out for in today's fixture.
2. CARLOS TEVEZ.
The Argentine who crossed from the Red part of Manchester to the Blue half, seem not to have found a place in His heart to forgive his former Manager Sir Alex Ferguson. It will be remembered that after City won their first premiership title Tevez was spotted carrying a banner boldly written RIP Ferguson.
With such anger in His heart and desire to hurt His former Manager and club, all eyes will be on Carlos Tevez to see what he has in store for us today.
1. ROBIN VAN PERSIE
The Dutch Man will be taking part in His first Manchester Derby. The former Arsenal skipper is no stranger to derbies as he partook in the North London derby during His time at the Emirate.
Van Persie is currently United top goal scorer in all competition with a total of 13 goals in 19 games.
He was quoted in the papers earlier in the week saying "
"When you are wanted by everyone it gives you wings," I am happy here and everyone looks very happy to have me here.
"But I am not satisfied. If you look at the stats, 13 goals in 19 games, it is OK. But I want better and more. I want more goals, more assists. I want to go for everything that it is possible this year."
The United no. 20 has already made himself a player to be watched out for today.
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TIME : 13:00GMT
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