Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that the improvements are clear to see for his side as they prepare to take on Manchester City at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have 11 points more now than at the same stage 12 months ago, seeing them provide the only real competition to City at the top of the Premier League.

While the Citizens have received more of the plaudits, with a club-record run of 13 successive wins taking them eight points clear, Mourinho is happy with United's own improvements during his second season at the helm

"[They are] very good," he told reporters when asked about Pep Guardiola's men. "We are a better team than last year, no doubt about it, but I think City is also a better team than last season."

Sunday afternoon's Manchester derby will be the first since April 2013 for which both clubs occupy the top two positions.