Former Manchester United attacker Norman Whiteside has stated his belief that the club's matches against Liverpool are still bigger than the Manchester derby.

Champions Manchester City have emerged as real contenders to United over the last three years, while Merseryside rivals Liverpool have not won the league title since 1990.

However, Whiteside has insisted that because of the history that exists between the two clubs, Man United vs. Liverpool will be a greater fixture for the foreseeable future.

"It's the first date you look for when the fixture list comes out," Whiteside told the club's official website. "Not just as players but supporters too.

"I still think it's the biggest game of the season. I know City are coming close to it but they still have a long way to go.

"If you're looking at United and Liverpool with 19 and 18 league titles, then City are a long way off that and well behind as far as history is concerned."

Whiteside found the net on four occasions against Liverpool while playing for United.