The former Reds defender appreciates the stakes are high when United and City do battle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday but has been encouraged by the early signs displayed by Ruben Amorim's men this season.
Speaking in Stockport while participating in the Pro Am Padel Tour, the ex-England international was optimistic that we can repeat last term's memorable triumph away to Pep Guardiola's side.
"Listen, I know you can say we've not had a great start but I watched us against Arsenal and I thought, very good, we should have won the game," he explained.
"We were unlucky not to win the game. I watched us against Fulham and, in the first 45 minutes, I thought they were very good. The second half was not so good but there were signs there that, you know, you could be buoyed as a fan, comparing that to last season.
"So I don't think it's all doom and gloom. Obviously, the performance the other week [at Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup] didn't help but it's the Manchester derby.