Speaking after a tough session at Carrington’s training ground, the midfielder says the Blues are well prepared and are ready to face their biggest rivals.
“It will be a great match, it’s always great playing against Manchester United and we’re desperate to beat them,” he said.
“We’ve had a tough week’s training and we’ve been working very hard. We’re also coming off the back of a good performance against Newcastle, so it’s been a good build up to the game.
“We’ll go out there and play as well as we can and hopefully if we play to the best of our ability I’m sure that will be good enough to get us a win and give our fans something to shout about.”
Although the Premier League trophy looks likely to return to the red side of the city in May, Milner was keen to stress that won’t affect the team’s mind-set on Monday.
“It’s looking unlikely that we will retain our title which is very disappointing, but it changes nothing,” he asserted.
“You’re representing Manchester City every time you step out on that field and wearing the shirt, so you go out and give 100 per cent and try to win every game.
“Whether it’s a friendly, a cup final or a league game, you always want to beat your closest rivals and we’re desperate to do that.
We’ve got two big matches in the next week, but when you’re representing the club it’s massive no matter what the game is, whether there’s something to play for or not.
...James Milner...
The 27-year-old has fond memories of last year’s famous 6-1 victory at Old Trafford, but admits he would be happy with a win obtained in any fashoin.
“It was an amazing day. It’s not easy to go there and win at all, never mind win by that score line, but I think it showed how well we played on the day,” he smiled.
“I think I came off just before full time and everyone was just looking at each other on the bench as we couldn’t believe the goals kept going in!
“It was a great day and something the fans always sing about and I’m sure they’ll sing about it for a long, long time!”
