Pablo Zabaleta: 'Sir Alex Ferguson absence won't change Manchester United'

Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta believes that Manchester United's threat is still as strong as ever, despite the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

New manager David Moyes will take charge in his first Manchester derby this Sunday following the retirement of Ferguson after 26 years at the helm of Old Trafford.

City will also be under new guidance in the form of Manuel Pellegrini when they host their arch-rivals at the Etihad Stadium.

"It won't be any different, even without Fergie they are still Man United," The Independent quotes Zabaleta as saying. "Ferguson was a great manager and an important person for the club, and for their fans it was great to have him on the bench, but now it is a different part of history, and we have to respect David Moyes because he is the new manager."

Meanwhile, City goalkeeper Joe Hart has called for calm from the fans ahead of the clash this weekend.