Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he will gladly "win ugly" when old rivals Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday.
Brendan Rodgers' side lie 21 points adrift of Ferguson's league leaders but the Scot expects a tight contest in front of the Sky cameras.
"Derby games are very tricky affairs, they always have been," Ferguson told the club's official website.
"I'm quite happy to play badly and win this one.
"Last year we outplayed them in the FA Cup game at Anfield and lost 2-1. You sit there at the end of the game and say to yourself: 'How did that happen?'.
"Derby games are like that, although hopefully this time we play well and win. With the form we're in, we're going into it in the right frame of mind. But Liverpool will always be difficult to beat."
United have won seven of the last eight league meetings at Old Trafford.
what do you think?
Martin Massey
He's making the point that winning is more important than the performance to him, I see your B Rogers says he is looking for consistency.
Diane Rogers
Nothing wrong in that statement, what fergie says is always inflammatory
nicholas renshaw
fergie is running scared. looking in the papers already complaining about suarez and the whistle hasn,t blown yet cmon scousers shut purple nose up ime rooting 4ya city till i die
Martin Massey
You seem more desperate for others to do what city couldn't maybe your scared of Arsenal doing you.
Diane Rogers
1:04pm on 12/1/2013
That's how they always win.
Martin Massey
1:57pm on 12/1/2013
On the other hand you don't.
Diane Rogers
3:07pm on 12/1/2013
Exactly we don't.Why does he have ro commentcin the first place