The league leaders hold a five-point advantage over their rival

LONDON: Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says he does not want the spotlight on himself as he prepares for his first Manchester derby, with the Premier League leaders aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season.

City will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to face Manchester United after winning their opening three league matches. The derby will be their toughest test of the season so far.

Manchester City have enjoyed an impressive record at Old Trafford over the past 15 years, although they suffered a defeat there last season in Pep Guardiola’s final game at the stadium.

Manchester United, managed by Michael Carrick, have endured an inconsistent start, winning only one of their first three league matches and sitting five points behind City.

Maresca, who previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City, acknowledged the importance of winning his first derby but insisted his focus remains on the team’s broader objectives.

“To be honest, I’m more thinking about the team, the fans, the table,” Maresca said.

“And for sure, if we win, it’s also good for me. But the main focus is not that it’s my first derby and I want to win the game. For sure I want to win the game, but it’s because we want to continue to win games. That is good for everyone.”

Manchester City have dominated the Premier League rivalry since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, finishing above Manchester United in every season since.

City midfielder Elliot Anderson recently called his new club the “kings of Manchester” after completing a £116 million ($157 million) transfer from Nottingham Forest.

Maresca said Anderson’s comments were understandable given the period of dominance he has witnessed throughout his career.

“The reason why Elliot said that is because he grew up in the last 15 years,” the Italian said.

“I think Manchester City was unbelievable, what they achieved. So I think it’s normal when Elliot said that.

“Then if you go back, it’s a different picture. But for me, the reason why Elliot said that is because when he grew up, Manchester City was dominant.”