Chris Smalling says this year's English Premier League title race means more to Manchester United because of Manchester City's challenge.
Defending champions United hold a three-point lead over City at the top of the table.
There are eight league matches still to be played this term, including a potentially decisive clash between the top two teams at City's Etihad Stadium.
And Smalling claims the United squad are desperate to deny City what would be their first Premier League crown.
"It definitely means more because it's City," Smalling said.
"It's down to us two now and it's massive.
"The media build it up and as players we definitely want to win it because we know quite a few of their players.
"It's going to be crucial to get those bragging rights for next year."
United have taken advantage of a recent stutter in City's form to jump to the top of the table, a feat Smalling claims is even more impressive given the amount of injuries his team has had to deal with this season.
Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic have been ruled out for the rest of campaign, while others, including Anderson and Michael Owen, have suffered recurring issues.
"We've probably had enough injuries for most of the teams in this league," Smalling said.
"Luckily we have the squad to be able to cope, but it says a lot about Manchester United that no matter the adverse conditions we have, whether it's injuries or a tough run of games, we tend to come through it.
"The manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) deserves a lot of credit for that with regards to how he approaches games and uses his players."
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