SAF and his biggest Manchester derby yet

Since becoming Manchester United manager in 2006, Sir Alex Ferguson has taken charge of the Red Devils in no fewer than 44 Manchester derbies. However, he believes Monday night's crucial Premier League clash at Eastlands is the biggest of the lot.

At Wembley, Old Trafford, Maine Road and Eastlands, Sir Alex Ferguson has sat in the dugout and managed the Red Devils in a number of high-profile Manchester derby matches. 

Some highlights of recent years include a two-legged League Cup semi-final, and a Wembley FA Cup semi-final - which brought mixed fortunes for the Red Devils.

Earlier this year, United defiantly won 3-2 at Eastlands in the FA Cup to gain some revenge for the 6-1 league humiliating at Old Trafford earlier in the season.

However, Monday evening's clash at Eastlands looks to be the biggest in Ferguson's long career of Manchester derby matches.

If City win, they will become favourites in the title race and go top on goal difference; but three points for United would put them on the brink of title glory.

Sir Alex Ferguson has described the game as a derby of "amazing proportions".

The former Aberdeen boss said: "It is probably the most important derby game in my time. We have to go there, make sure we perform in the right way and not give away silly goals".

If United win the game, they will need only one point from their final two games to confirm their status as Champions again. A draw would mean they'd need a maximum of four points.