Stones seeks 'extra bonus' for Man City with derby title party against United

Manchester City will be chasing the “extra bonus” of securing the Premier League title on derby day against arch-rivals United, admits John Stones.

Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side have dominated the domestic scene in England throughout the 2017-18 campaign.

They are now just three points away from adding the top-flight crown to a Carabao Cup triumph, and can get over the line in style with victory over their rivals.

Stones concedes that added incentive has been offered to City as they prepare to welcome the Red Devils to the Etihad Stadium, with it rare that success can be achieved on such an occasion.

“It would mean a lot," the England international defender told Sky Sports.

“If it was the other way round, I am sure they would say the same. You do not want it to happen, it is the bragging rights of the city, and I knew that from derbies I had played in Liverpool.

“It is the game you do not want to lose and we are not treating it any differently or overlooking things too much. We know the job that is in front of us, it is a massive game and a massive derby and we have to win.

“For the city, for our fans, for everyone, I am sure it will mean a lot more beating United to [win] the title, it is that extra bonus for people to say.

“But we are treating it as another game and a derby is as derby games are.”

Regardless of whether they capture the crown against United, a title party is on the way for City.

Stones admits that getting his hands on the trophy will fulfil a childhood dream, with the 23-year-old having come a long way from humble beginnings at Barnsley.

He added: "The term 'dream come true' sums it up really.

"I never thought as a kid I would be challenging for the title, or within touching distance.

"It is hard to say as until you get it in your hands, you do not know how it is going to feel. We still have games if things do not go well, but we want to win it on Saturday if possible.

"It is iconic around the world and in my opinion, the most difficult league in the world, so everyone watches it and to play in it, be able to fight for it and hopefully lift it, is something I am very proud of and hopefully I can do."