Manchester United vs Manchester City: Wayne Rooney is desperate to send Red Devils' fans smiling on Sunday evening

Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney has described Sunday's Manchester Derby as a massive 'game of pride' and is determined to send the Red Devils fans home with a smile.

Louis van Gaal's side welcomes the Premier League champions to Old Trafford on 12 April, in a clash that is crucial in the race for a place in the top four.

The 20-times English champions are currently one point ahead of their city rivals and will want to increase their gap over the champions as they look to consolidate their third place on the table and look to challenge Arsenal, who are currently a point ahead in second place behind leaders Chelsea, who are seven points clear with a game in hand over their rivals.

However, the Old Trafford club have not enjoyed success in the derby games in recent years, with the last win for United at Old Trafford coming in 2011.

Rooney is desperate to change that and being the record goal scorer in the Manchester derbys with 11, he will be keen to continue his goal scoring form, which has seen him net six goals in his last eight matches after being restored to his preferred central striker position.

"I think it's a very important game for Manchester United and Manchester City," Rooney told United's official site.

"It's important for the fans and, for me, it's a massive game of pride. When you play for Manchester United, you want to win these derby games."

"We want to give United fans something to smile about when they go to work on Monday morning. We want them to be the ones to be able to give out the banter to Manchester City fans at work," the England forward added.