Ruben Dias says Manchester City will be ready for ‘difficult’ Manchester derby at Old Trafford

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias says his side understand the threat posed by Manchester United and will be prepared for a demanding Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.

City approach the Premier League fixture after a positive opening to the new season, but Dias has warned there can be no complacency against their local rivals.

“It’s a difficult game. It’s the Premier League, and you know what that means,” Dias told Jio Star. “We’re confident going into it, and we can’t wait to play. It’s high level, and that’s the beauty of this league.”

The Portugal international says City will show United the same respect they give every opponent, while recognising the quality available to their neighbours.

“You cannot expect an easy game,” he said. “We respect every opponent and prepare the same way for all of them. We know what Manchester United are capable of, and we will be ready for the challenge.”

City adapting to Enzo’s ideas

Dias also assessed City’s start under new manager Enzo, saying the squad had responded positively to changes in approach while retaining elements of their established identity.

“The start to the new season has been very positive. A lot of things have changed, but in the end, not that much. There’s a new energy around the place, and it feels good,” he said.

According to Dias, Enzo has introduced his own ideas in both attack and defence, although possession remains central to the way City play.

“Enzo has his specific ideas about how he sees the game, both offensively and defensively. But overall, it’s still very much the game we were used to playing. We still dominate possession, which is our main characteristic,” he said.

“The main thing is that everyone is buying into the new ideas. We’re working hard on the training pitch to understand the details. The early results this season have been encouraging, and the confidence is building.”

Dias reflects on squad transition

City underwent considerable change during the summer, with several players departing and new arrivals joining the squad. Dias described the movement as part of football’s natural cycle and said the club’s expectations had not been affected.

“There are always new faces coming in and others moving on, and this summer transfer window saw more departures than usual, but it’s a cycle,” he said.

“Every new person who arrives comes here for the same reason we all did in the first place. That is to win and to reach the top.”

Dias added that integrating new players quickly was important, but insisted City’s standards remained constant.

“What matters is how quickly everyone settles in and understands what is expected. The standards here don’t change, no matter who is in the building.”

The experienced defender also spoke about his time at Manchester City and the lessons learned from playing alongside players from the club’s previous generation.

“Time goes quick, and you have got to enjoy it while it lasts because the time that I have spent at Man City is the best thing in the world,” he said.

“It’s mostly just the experience of having gone through so much and won so much with all the ones that were here before with the club, knowing so well what it takes to win and the consistency you need to have every day.”

Dias will now draw on that experience when City face Manchester United in the latest meeting between the two clubs.