Alvaro Negredo relishing strike partnership with Sergio Aguero at Manchester City

The 4-1 win over United was the first time the summer signing had started with the Argentinian

Sergio Aguero celebrates with Alvaro Negredo and Samir Nasri (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo is looking forward to developing his strike partnership with Sergio Aguero.

Last Sunday's 4-1 win in the Manchester derby was the first time the Spain international, a £20million summer arrival from Sevilla, has started up front with the Argentinian.

But having settled well into life in the Premier League Negredo is looking to build on his burgeoning relationship with Aguero.

"I really enjoyed playing with him, he's very talented," said the 28-year-old.

"The way he controls the ball, the things he can do with it... he has amazing technique.

"I hope to continue to play with him in this team."

The victory over their near-neighbours and defending champions was an important boost after the goalless draw at Stoke the previous week but Negredo stressed they did not consider it a statement of intent.

"I'm not sure (it sends out a message) but we don't really worry about what other teams are thinking," he said.

"It was a very beautiful day for this club, we were very happy and it will give us a lot of confidence going forward into the next Premier League games.

"We just look to play our best and hopefully we can win the Premier League."

Negredo is quite fond of his nickname of 'The Beast', earned for his powerful performances in La Liga, and hopes his display against United will help cement the moniker with fans at his new club.

"It's a nickname I like. It was given to me while I was playing in Spain so I hope they can call me that over here as well," he added.

"Hopefully the way I played against United will convince them to do it. I will be happy if they do.

"I always enjoy a physical battle. (Nemanja) Vidic is a very strong player, very aggressive but I enjoyed that sort of contact with an opponent.

"As long as opponents play fair it's not a problem to me because I'm always ready for the challenge."

Negredo feels he is not the only new arrival to have settled in well.

"We're doing fine, playing well and now the goal is to continue playing in this way," he said.

"We have new players from all over Europe but I have played with (Jesus) Navas for a long time and we know each other very well, Fernandinho is a player of immense quality.

"Stevan Jovetic has been affected by injuries (but) he is going to be a phenomenal player for the club. My feeling is that the quality here is very good."

PA