Louis van Gaal has revealed that he has less to fear from Manchester City than he did from last week's opponents Aston Villa.

The Dutchman's side beat Tim Sherwood's men 3-1 last Saturday, as Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney got their names on the scoresheet in preparation for this weekend's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

However, the Manchester United manager is playing down the threat of Manuel Pellegrini's side, claiming that the way City play is less problematic for United than Villa last weekend.

"Villa were more defensive but I don't expect City shall play as defensively as Villa did, and then you need a lot of focus and concentration on our defence," Van Gaal told reporters.

"A long ball is very difficult to defend. But against City I don't expect very much long balls – and that is why I have less fear against City, in spite of the loss in the last game [against them].

"On Sunday we have to wait and see if we can continue our good shape against City. I had more fear for Villa than City because every player shall be motivated and want to win."

A win for United would put them four points clear of their local rivals, while a win for City would see them leapfrog Van Gaal's side into third.