The Holland midfielder, dubbed The Terrier by Dutch fans, is back in the Blues side to add bite for a derby that has captured the city’s imagination more intensely than ever.
And down-to-earth De Jong reveals that sheer hard work in training has played a key role in underpinning the eye-catching stylish football that has fuelled City’s super start.
He said: “We have a 100 per cent record and we want to keep it. We are in great form but we have to work our backsides off every day to maintain that form, otherwise you can slip.
“The city is buzzing, everybody is talking about the derby. We are the team to beat at the moment so we will have to give everything, otherwise we won’t have a result.
“With the form we are in it’s going to be a good game to watch. The big changes here mean there is not just one big club in Manchester. We have come alongside, everybody has seen that. I hope the city is starting to get more and more blue-ish!”
City fans have been buttonholing Nigel to urge a derby win. He smiled: “That’s always the case with derbies, here or in any country. It’s the most important match for fans.
We’ll do our best and give 100 per cent to try and beat United. It’s not going to be easy but if we have the same mentality as last Saturday we will be fine
Nigel de Jong
De Jong made an impressive return to the team for the 4-2 victory over Arsenal just days after he had voiced his concerns about being unable to command a place.
He explained: “If you are not starting the season it’s pretty frustrating, but you have to accept the situation and just work hard. I’m glad the manager had the confidence in me to start against Arsenal and it worked quite well.
“I was always happy at the club, but I am a football player and I want to play. That’s normal, you need that character always in a football club.
“But I never said I wasn’t happy. I’m alway happy here. I am playing for a big club, and the way we are developing I am excited. Everybody is excited.
“You just have to have patience. With our squad you have to expect to be fighting for your place. That’s the case for all 11 on the pitch. Everybody knew that: it was never going to be easy. Everybody wants to play but there’s not just 11, there’s 20 of us.”
