The sides currently sitting in first and second place in the Barclays Premier League table meet at Old Trafford this weekend, with Sir Alex Ferguson's men for once having to play second fiddle to their neighbours.

Asked if City are genuine title contenders, Bruce said: "They have to be now, there's no question about that.

"In the past when I was playing, no disrespect to Manchester City, the big derby was Liverpool. Liverpool were the ones Fergie wanted to knock off their perch.

"But certainly now, the noisy neighbours are making great strides. It should be a fantastic game."

However, Bruce is hoping United can maintain their impressive recent record against City to knock them off the top of the pile.

He said: "United have won 24 out of 25 at Old Trafford, but I think it's the first time in maybe 30, 40 years that City now can pose that threat.

"They have made a remarkable rise in the last two or three years with the Sheikh's money and the team they have, it's going to be a mouth-watering affair and it should be a great derby."