Pablo Zabaleta talks up Angel di Maria threat

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has highlighted the importance of Angel di Maria to Manchester United ahead of Sunday's derby.

The Premier League champions host Louis van Gaal's side at the Etihad, and the Argentina right-back talked up the threat of his international teammate.

"He was one of the most important players for Real Madrid and he is one of the most important players for Manchester United," Zabaleta told Sky Sports News.

"We're not going to be friends on the pitch, it is something that he understands. I think the players know we're not playing well, we're not performing and we have great players in the squad, but we're just 100% focused on Sunday.

"It is a game we need to win to get our confidence back and hopefully we can do it."

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