Louis van Gaal: Manchester City's European schedule gives them derby edge

Louis van Gaal concedes that the advantage ahead of Saturday's derby at Old Trafford belongs to Manchester City.

The Dutch manager blames his team's Champions League travelling schedule as a detriment to Manchester United's chances ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby.

United is currently in Russia for its Group B encounter with CSKA Moscow before a four-hour journey home Thursday, while City gets to avoid travelling when it hosts Sevilla at the Etihad Stadium.

"Every club at the top of the league has the same problems. But now Manchester City has a benefit because they are playing at home and that is a difference," Van Gaal told reporters.

"You have the benefit of the recuperation. Manchester City don't have the travel we have so they have more rest. There is nothing you can do. They have the benefit.

"We do a lot of things to try and help. We have cold baths, we have warm baths, less training sessions and practice so the freshness is good enough to beat City. But first we have to beat Moscow."

Rather than travelling home right after the game, Sky Sports reports that United will stay in Russia after Wednesday's game to benefit the team's recovery process.

The derby will be the first meeting of the season between the Premier League's first and third placed teams, and their first meeting since United's 4-2 triumph in April.