The newly-acquired financial clout at Eastlands has increased expectations of Mark Hughes' side, with the deadline-day acquisition of £32.5million record signing Robinho proving they are now a force to be reckoned with in the transfer marker at least.

But Evra claims the Premier League and European champions are not concerned about events in the blue half of the city.

"We don't speak very much about City in the dressing room," the 27-year-old told L'Equipe magazine ahead of Sunday's first Manchester derby of the campaign.

"I haven't heard anybody say: 'Oh la la. From now on, they are the richest club in the world'. Us, we know our history."

Evra's team-mate Darren Fletcher, though, says the rivalry between United and City would be even more intense if trophies were on the line.

For the best part of three decades, any meeting with United has been about gaining bragging rights for City.

While their neighbours from Old Trafford have viewed the fixtures as mere side issues in the hunt for silverware, they have tended to make or break the campaign itself for the Blues.

Not any longer. With limitless funds available following the summer takeover, City look like becoming major players as well.

And while Fletcher views the present situation as one of speculation rather than current reality, the Scotland international accepts that having City as rivals for honours would add a fascinating twist to their battles.

"The rivalry is already there but it would be even more special if it came down to competing for trophies as well," he said.

"At the moment we are talking about potential.

"The transfer window (injection of cash at City) happened quite late, so everyone is looking to see what they do in January.

"Money cannot guarantee success of course but if City can spend what is being suggested and attract the kind of names people have been talking about, it would make them a big threat in this league."

City have already flexed their muscle to some extent, splashing out a British record £32.5million on Brazilian frontman Robinho.

Having passed a fitness test on the ankle injury that kept him out of Thursday's UEFA Cup win over Schalke, Robinho will be back in Mark Hughes' line-up looking to reach double figures for the season having scored nine in all competitions so far.

Fletcher hardly needs to say Robinho is a man United will have to watch. But he is also aware of a steely toughness also evident in the Red Devils' chief tormentor, Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I have been very impressed with Robinho," he said.

"He is a world-class player who has scored some fantastic goals.

"But he has not come as a prima-donna with a big superstar attitude

"He has knuckled down, worked hard and done his best for Manchester City, which you have to respect.

"I have also seen a few hard challenges going in on him. But similar to Ronaldo here, he just picks himself up and gets on with it."

After losing twice to their neighbours for the first time in almost four decades last term, United have plenty of incentive to win.

Yet Fletcher cites the eight-point deficit on current Premier League pace-setters Chelsea and Liverpool as the chief reason Ferguson's team need to leave Eastlands with maximum points.

The Dalkeith-born player sat out both matches last term but having reported no further damage to a recent ankle injury, Fletcher is expected to be part of the Red Devils line-up this time round.

"It was disappointing to lose to them twice," he reflected on last season's travails.

"It's not just the fans, it is the players as well. We take it to heart. We have to live in the city as well."

On the second occasion, City spoiled what would have been the perfect ending to a day that paid due tribute to the victims of the Munich air disaster.

Given how the season itself turned out, and the impeccable way the travelling support honoured the minute's silence, most United fans would concede the Old Trafford encounter ended in an appropriate manner.

But normal hostilities will be resumed tomorrow, with Fletcher feeling City's new-found riches may trigger an attacking approach that suits United down to the ground.

"Games away from home are getting more difficult for us because the home teams are changing their tactics," he said.

"But I have a feeling this will be a great game.

"Last season City sat behind the ball a little bit but they have so much attacking quality now I am sure they will have a real go."