Manchester derby: Erik ten Hag admits there is a lot to learn from City's success

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said his team can learn from Manchester City's success, but added his side will not try to copy their methods.

United travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for the Manchester derby with their opponents once again the favourites.

City have increased the gap between the clubs, culminating in their historic treble last season, and with a good chance of more trophies this term.

A restructuring of United's football hierarchy is under way following the investment made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos Group. Omar Berrada, from City, has been brought in as chief executive at Old Trafford.

United are currently sixth in the Premier League and while success and consistency might seem some way away, Ten Hag remains confident.

Ten Hag said: "I think you can always learn from opponents who are successful and you have to do it if you want to go to high levels but, at the same time, we have to do it in a United way.

"This is a different club with a different environment, with a different DNA. But you pick up things that can be successful and you integrate it in your own model."

Ratcliffe had earlier stated that his ambition is for United to knock City and Liverpool "off their perch" in three years.

United are currently 15 points behind second-placed City but Ten Hag said he welcomes Ratcliffe's targets.

"It helps," said the Dutchman. "We have to show ambition. We want to be the best and that is what United stands for. But, at the same time, we know also where we are now.

"We also have seen that there are moments where we go toe-to-toe. That's the belief we have as a team. We have to pick up these moments and we have to prove it in every game. I think we are able to with this squad we have."

Meanwhile