'That's how I feel' - Manchester United ace Casemiro makes Manchester derby admission

Manchester United midfield enforcer Casemiro insists today's clash with neighbours Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium represents an occasion for him and his teammates to enjoy.

United make the short hop to the Etihad with the ambition of derailing City's title charge and reigniting their own top-four push. Following Aston Villa's win over Luton Town on Saturday, the Reds are now 11 points shy of the Champions League places, meaning they face a steep uphill struggle from here on in.

Nevertheless, Erik ten Hag's men will still be determined to secure the local bragging rights and halt City's hopes of securing a league double. The Blues won 3-0 at Old Trafford back in October.

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Casemiro is no stranger to big encounters, both at club level and on the international stage, and he understands the magnitude of the contest, describing a game of this type as 'beautiful'.

"They're the games where you notice the fans want the game," Casemiro told United's club website. "The players want the game. The club want the game.

"I think they're games and days that are meant to be enjoyed. That's how I feel. They're beautiful games."

Though there is a lot more at stake than what is usually on offer from a regular league game, Casemiro is fully focused on the task in hand and remaining professional.

The Brazilian continued: "Well, you get used to it, you know? In the end, when you play so many matches. In the end, despite being a derby and an important game for us, we know that at the end of the day every game is important.

"We know that in order to win, if we win that match it'll boost the team morale and the club morale,