Rio Ferdinand insists that the wounds are still fresh from Manchester United's derby defeats to Manchester City in the previous campaign and this is all the motivation they need to get payback by doing the double over them this season.
The defending champions have already made some amends for losing home and away to their city rivals last season, winning at Eastlands in November. There is still some hurt leftover, however, and the revenge mission is not yet complete.
"If you are going to be champions and reach cup finals, you need a feeling of hurt when you lose games," Ferdinand was quoted as saying by fifa.com.
"I have experienced all aspects of playing against City and there are not many worse feelings than losing to them.
"Any idea that the derby means more to the fans than the players is wrong. The players care, I can assure everyone of that.
"We will be doing our best and we want to win."
The England defender went on to insist that he was not fazed by City's new-found wealth, although he suggested it would only a matter of time until they truly become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
"I don't know if the derby is progressing as a fixture," added Ferdinand. "It is weird really. City have had a lot of money pumped into them by their current investors but I couldn't care less what happens to them.
"As long as we are above City I won't be too bothered about looking over my shoulder. I am just hopeful we can go out there and produce the goods tomorrow.
"If more money is invested in the squad I am sure they will become more successful, start vying for the cup competitions and get higher in the league.
"Then the rivalry will become even more passionate. Being around each other in the league would add to the fire. You can see that now with Liverpool.
"The rivalry with them has increased over the last few months because we are both going for the title."
The Red Devils will go into Sunday's showcase game in full knowledge of the fact that their closest pursuers, Liverpool, sit top after dismantling West Ham United a day earlier.
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