Wayne Rooney: 'Wide areas key to winning Manchester derby'

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney believes that his side need to use width to defeat Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Red Devils will head into the derby at the Etihad Stadium three points clear of second-place City at the top of the table.

"I think our strength is getting wingers on the pitch, getting the ball out wide, attacking and getting crosses into the box," said Rooney.

"That's obviously the way Manchester United have played for years, so I think that's one of our strengths.

"Of course, they have a strong central midfield, but they also leave gaps out wide, so I'm sure Sir Alex [Ferguson] and Roberto Mancini will be looking at different things and ways they can capitalise on each team's weakness."

Rooney has scored four goals in 11 Premier League appearances so far this season.