Beating Manchester United would represent a real statement of intent as we look to build on a fine midweek win over Burnley and potentially move us up to second in the Premier League in the process.
But Stones knows that getting one over on your local rivals does a lot more than simply add three points to your points tally, and how important that derby is to the club and city as a whole.
“It’s a must win game, it’s your local rivals, you want to be better than them and there’s a lot of expectation on it,” the England international explained.
“You want to do it for everyone that’s involved with the club and make everyone proud.
“Definitely winning for yourself, for the game and beating your rivals. Winning because of bragging rights for the city, you want it to be blue.”
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After initially struggling to find their feet, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are now unbeaten in four, but they have failed to win any of the last five Manchester derbies.
While Stones is confident that we can continue that fine record, he admits that form goes out the window when it comes to derby day.
But instead of shirking from that extra responsibility, the defender insists the feel of such a special occasion always brings the best out of him and his teammates.
He added: “It’s a great team that have got a lot of great players that aren’t in a great run at the minute but put that aside when its derby day. I’m sure they’ll turn up like we will.
“That’s the beauty of the game, no matter what run or form a team’s in, when it’s a derby it brings something extra out of everyone and makes it a great spectacle for the fans, I’m sure.”
Hear Stones‘ thoughts in full via the video above...
