Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has claimed that Manchester City are under pressure going into 2012.

The Blues are currently top of the Premier League table, two points ahead of local rivals United.

However, the Dane believes that the Red Devils are only going to get stronger as the season progresses.

"I think City are already under real pressure. Ever since the City match (6-1 home defeat) we have performed well," Lindegaard told MUTV.

"We have played some really good games; we haven't scored as many goals as we should have but we have played some good football.

"As far as I know, United have a tradition for being strong in the winter programme, so it is going to be a very tight spring to decide who will be champions."

United next host Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.