Sammy McIlroy is already looking forward to the first Manchester derby in four-and-a-half years after next season's fixtures were announced yesterday.

United and City will renew hostilities on November 18th at Maine Road, with the return Premiership match at Old Trafford on April 21st.

The sides last met in April 1996 and Northern Ireland manager McIlroy, who played for both sides in derby matches, feels it is great for the city and the game in general to have the fixture back.

"They are just unbelievable games to play in. Every big city has its derby matches, whether it's Celtic and Rangers in Glasgow or Liverpool and Everton in Liverpool, and United and City is just as just as big."

McIlroy is delighted to see City back in the top flight after a four-year absence, although he feels Joe Royle's side face a tough time.

"Joe Royle has done a fantastic job to take City back to the Premiership after they were relegated to the Second Division," he said.

"Without doubt they will find it a testing time back in the Premiership, but I'm sure Joe knows that."