Manchester United defender Phil Jones has acknowledged the magnitude of today's derby meeting with Manchester City, claiming that it is simply a must-win game for his side.

The Red Devils can climb above their rivals, and potentially claim top spot in the Premier League, should they come out on top at Old Trafford.

A storming victory over Everton last time out in the league has left United in a confident mood, but Jones knows that only three points will do in the latest Manchester derby showdown.

"It's a big game in all respects," the Englishman told MUTV. "We need to win and play well and play like we did against Everton because against them we were superb all over the pitch.

"I'm sure that if we play like that we'll have no problems. There will be a lot of people going into work on Monday hoping to have the bragging rights. Hopefully we can make sure they go in on Monday with a smile on their face."

City currently boast a two-point lead over their rivals in the league table.