Soccer:Manchester United keeper Anders Lindegaard believes it is far too early to build Sunday's derby clash with City at Old Trafford into a title decider. With both clubs blazing a trail at the top of the Premier League, this weekend's fixture has been eagerly anticipated for weeks.

And as Champions League commitments are now out of the way, the red and blue halves of a divided city can give their full attention to a hugely important derby encounter.

But Lindegaard, possibly looking back on the rather scrappy manner in which Sir Alex Ferguson’s team disposed of the relatively weak Romanian champions Otelul Galati, has reflected on the danger of believing this season’ spoils will be decided purely by the men based in Manchester.

“Four games ago I would have said it will be between City and United," said the Danish international. “But Chelsea seem to be going well as well so you can’t say it is just about United and City now. It is too early. City have looked very good. They have quality players in all positions and two for each one, just like us.

Although his own experiences were at a much lower level in Denmark and Norway, the thing which struck Lindegaard when he joined from Aalesunds in January was the focus Ferguson and his staff devote to every game.

One of the things that impressed me most when I came to United is that every game is handled the same way. It doesn’t matter whether it is Crawley at home or Chelsea away. It has always been very serious. It seems like one of the cornerstones of this club is to always take your opponent seriously.”

However, Lindegaard is aware that, barring an unexpected injury to David de Gea, he will start Sunday’s game on the bench. The 27-year-old made his third appearance of the season in Romania. He is adopting a fairly level-headed approach to his situation, though, insisting he is not bedevilled by anxiety about having to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

“I don’t feel under pressure. Dealing with stuff like that is a massive thing at Manchester United. It is a big part of the game, not only because I am a goalkeeper but also as it is a constant at clubs of this size. We always have to win.

“I prepare the same, whether it is a training game in the United States or a Champions League game in Romania or Portugal. That is part of the job of being a goalkeeper. One of the important steps to success is always to be focused and concentrated.”

United may not find out until next week what the final punishment for Nemanja Vidic’s red card will be. As the second-half dismissal was harsh anyway, it does seem likely Vidic will escape with a single game suspension that would rule him out of the return meeting with Otelul at Old Trafford on November 2nd.