GABRIEL JESUS says Sunday’s Manchester derby has the feel of a Brazil versus Argentina showdown.
City’s striker, 20, had a taste of the local scrap when the two teams went head-to-head at the Etihad in April.
And the Samba star also played for his country against their neighbours and historic rivals back in June.
While the South American duel still carries more importance for a young Brazilian — who has only been at City 11 months — he can see the similarities.
At their last meeting seven months ago, there was little at stake apart from places in the top four, but it was still a tense night.
Yet it is a very different landscape now as Pep Guardiola’s men go up against neighbours United at Old Trafford.
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And Jesus cannot wait to be a part of it again. Asked if this rivalry reminded him of the one back home, he said: “A little bit, yes.
“Brazil against Argentina is a bigger rivalry because we’re talking about two national teams, two countries.
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“But it’s not that distant, it’s similar, it’s a ‘clasico’ and is very important for lots of reasons. It’s a head-to-head with our positions in the table.”
City have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with United the nearest team to them.
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That means the onus will be on Jose Mourinho’s men to try to make the most of home advantage and peg the blue side back.
Jesus was impressed by United’s 3-1 win at Arsenal last weekend but reckons it could play into City’s hands if they try the same tactics.
He told Sport360: “It’s going to be a good match, a big match, between big players from big clubs. I don’t believe United will play defensively, because just like us they need the result.
“If United play like they did against Arsenal, that will make it an open game and that will suit us. We have to be clear, we’re going there to try to win.”
Jesus has been one of the most exciting young players to arrive on these shores in recent seasons since he joined City in January.
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He has no regrets at the way it has worked out after turning down the efforts of his friend Neymar to join him at Barcelona, before his mega-money move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
Ironically, Neymar was once a target for United but Jesus’ decision shows his deter- mination to make his own way.
Their partnership for Brazil has worked out superbly — and he has not ruled out teaming up at club level one day.
But for now Jesus is looking to write his own story rather than trying to follow in the footsteps of his countryman.
He said: “Each individual is different from one another. He’s building his story, I’m building mine. He deserves all the credit for everything he has accomplished and I’m always cheering for him.
“We’re close. Maybe one day we’ll play for the same club. We each have our own path but I hope to conquer the things he has.”
Even so, he believes his close relationship with Neymar can only benefit him going forward.
He added: “I think even the most experienced players learn from him. He’s very positive. He’s always smiling and joking around with everyone.
“I hope he keeps this attitude because it helps everyone and I keep learning from him more and more.”
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