Manchester United will be 'desperate' to stop Manchester City from winning Sunday's crunch derby showdown at the Etihad Stadium, according to Danny Mills.
The Red Devils will enter the fixture looking to dent their rivals' hopes of winning a fourth Premier League title in a row.
While City have been flying, however, United have been inconsistent under Erik ten Hag - leading to question marks over his long-term future with the club.
However, despite the Red Devils' inconsistency, Mills thinks the fallen giants will be 'desperate' to stop City and send a message to their noisy neighbours in Sunday's clash.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola wouldn't take Marcus Rashford from Man Utd, according to Danny Mills
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"Not if they play like they did against Fulham," he told GB News, per 888Sport, when asked if United stand a chance of getting anything from the game.
"It could be a very high scoring game. Again, just as Manchester United looked like they were turning a corner, players didn't turn up.
"Obviously Hojlund was a big miss for them. City, have we seen a City performance this season where we've thought 'wow' and they're back to their ultimate, ultimate best?
"I'm trying to think back at games this year... there's been moments but there haven't been too many where you think 'oh there's City, blowing teams away'.
"So again it's a derby. It's hugely important.
"But obviously City are trophy pigs, they jsut want trophy after trophy.
"They want that four in a row. Nobody's ever done that. That's absolutely vital for them to eclipse United.
"United, obviously, will be desperate to stop them.
"But on paper, there should be only one winner in this. Though you'd probably have said that about United and Fulham at the weekend."
One player in the spotlight as the game rapidly approaches is Marcus Rashford.
The England international netted 30 goals across all competitions last season but has just five to his name this term.
Rashford recently came out fighting, hitting back at critics who question his commitment to United.
Yet Mills has been alarmed by the plight of the 26-year-old and thinks City, as well as Arsenal and Chelsea, wouldn't take Rashford on board.
"From the outside looking in it looks like a move that would suit everybody if it were to happen," he said when directly asked about rumours linking Rashford with PSG.
"He seems to have lost a bit of that appetite and that's sad to see. That's just an outsider looking in.
"He's got huge potential. Have we seen it regularly and often enough? Last season seems to be the exception to the rule.
"Before that it was two brilliant games then two average games. To be considered one of the best you have to play well week in, week out, you have to be excellent.
"And unfortunately he's not that. There are too many times when you've looked at it, too many doubts.
Marcus Rashford has struggled ahead of Man Utd's derby day showdown with Man City
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"If I was watching him as a scout, I'd be thinking do I buy him? PSG is probably an easier one as you can win playing at 80 per cent each week.
"Would Arsenal take him? No. If I was Chelsea, probably not. If I was Manchester City, no chance.
"Tottenham? Compare him to Son. If he has a bad game he works his socks off, even if he doesn't score he impacts the game.
"Would you say that about Marcus Rashford? Probably not."
United are set to be without Rasmus Hojlund through injury.
The Denmark international has impressed since the turn of the year and has netted seven goals from his last six outings.
Danny Mills has been enthused by the performances of Rasmus Hojlund for Man Utd
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Yet Mills thinks comparisons between Hojlund and City hitman Erling Haaland are unfair.
"Definitely," he added. "Erling Haaland has been scoring goals since he was 17, 18.
"He's also six foot five, I played with his father Alfie, that helps in terms of mentality and understanding what's expected, understanding the sacrifice and the training regimes.
"Ultimately that does give you an advantage, in terms of certain things. That puts him three of four years more advanced, in that way.
"Hojlund's come in and done well obviously but I think we've seen with all players, it takes time when you come into the Premier League.
"It took Thierry Henry a while to settle in, it took Didier Drogba a while to settle in. These went on to not just be Premier League greats but European greats. Hojlund's a good player and he'll get better."
