Jonny Evans ready for Manchester United and City derby clash

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is relishing the chance to put one over Manchester City on Sunday at Old Trafford.

City's new-look side have started the season with a bang, chalking up four successive victories in the Barclays Premier League.

Manager Mark Hughes, the former United striker, invested heavily in the summer, thanks to huge financial backing from the Abu Dhabi United Group.

City are determined to break into the elite and it has become one of the most talked about derbies in recent years.

United for their part go into the match on the back of a fine victory against Besiktas in Istanbul in the Champions League and Evans is already looking forward to the next challenge.

"We all know about the big rivalry between United and City and it's always nice to get the upper hand on them, " he said.

"They have put themselves up there now. It's a long season but fair play to them because they've got off to a good start."

Evans, 21, could retain his place in the team and partner Nemanja Vidic should Rio Ferdinand continue to struggle with a groin injury.

Ferdinand was expected to play in midweek only to suffer a further setback after recovering from a calf strain.

Evans is thoroughly enjoying life at Old Trafford.

"I feel very settled among the first team squad now," he told manutd.com. "I also felt very much part of it last season, but it was kind of a new thing for me.

"Rio and Nemanja are the top centre-backs in the world and I'm learning a lot from them.

"Wes [Brown] and myself have both got a fight on our hands to get into the team, but I still think we will play a lot throughout the season."

Evans relished the Besiktas experience.

"It was a great atmosphere to play in and a few of the lads applauded their fans when we came off because you have to appreciate support like that," said the Northern Ireland international.

"Each European game differs, the stadiums, the pitches, the atmospheres... we knew it was going to be hostile but you learn from experiences like that."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson could freshen his side up against City with Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea all pushing for a re-call.

Midfielder Paul Scholes is sidelined through suspension after being sent off in the victory against Tottenham last weekend.