And England striker Rooney has taunted City, claiming he will never be jealous of their new-found riches so long as they wallow in mid-table obscurity.
And he warned Mark Hughes’s side that United will be out to avenge their double derby defeat last season.
“It will be nice to show them who are the Kings of Manchester,” said Rooney.
“It doesn’t irritate us that City are getting all this publicity.
“If they were winning trophies it would irritate me but while they are still lingering in mid-table I am not really too bothered about it.
“We owe the fans a derby win even though we did win two trophies last season.
“Losing both games was extremely disappointing.
“Sunday is a massive game for the players, the fans and the club especially after what has happened at City with the takeover.”
City have been the headline makers this season due to Sheikh Mansour’s dramatic takeover in August.
They immediately became the richest club in the world, breaking the British transfer record and stunning world football with the £32.5m signing of Robinho.
But they have struggled so far this term, sitting 11th – just four points above the relegation zone.
Dreaming
Victory against Arsenal last week eased the pressure on Hughes.
And a third successive derby win would have fans dreaming of Champions League qualification once again.
Rooney insists he would be happy to see United’s deadly rivals challenging at the top end of the table.
“The money coming into City is good for the league,” he said. “For a few years the usual top four have been running away with it. You want more competition.
“If it happens that it is the top ten 10 fighting for the one place at the top then it will make it a more exciting league.
“It wouldn’t bother me if it was City making the challenge because you want competition.
“You never know if City will be able to finish in the top four and make the breakthrough.
“You have seen Everton in the past few years finish in the top four. Aston Villa are getting close. You never know who might do it.”
Rooney was absent from the 1-0 Eastlands defeat last season term having broken his foot. He was and then was forced to sit out the Old Trafford return as he was serving a one-match ban.
“I missed both derbies last season and that was really frustrating having to watch when you cannot do anything about it,” he said. “So I am looking forward to Sunday.
“It doesn’t matter that I didn’t play last year I will still be motivated for this because it is a derby and you are always motivated 100 per cent for these games.
“It is different to any other game. The atmosphere at City is a really good one. The players always get up for it. Our fans will push us on.”
United can score a potential psychological point on their title rivals with victory on Sunday.
Chelsea and Liverpool are eight points ahead of the champions but the lunchtime derby can see United cut the gap before both play their matches.
Chelsea are at home to Arsenal after United’s visit to City and Liverpool play West Ham at Anfield on Monday.
But United have won only two of their seven away matches this term.
“It is a must-win game for us. We cannot afford not to win it especially if Liverpool and Chelsea also win their matches.”
What do you think? Have your say
Tweet
Blip, Manchester (27/11/2008 at 08:41)