Michael Carrick has predicted both Manchester United and Manchester City will be stronger next season and expects a lot of attention to be on the clubs because of the way they have strengthened over the summer.
City finished fourth in the Premier League table last season while United were fifth, although both teams ended with 66 points. The cancellation of the scheduled derby in Beijing on Monday means that attentions will turn to next season's league campaign with their first meeting being on Sep. 10 at Old Trafford.
Carrick told MUTV: "It's exciting and interesting, not just for us being involved but for everyone else looking in to see how it's going to go.
"There will be a lot of focus on both clubs and we'll battle it out to see who finishes on top. Both teams look in good shape with two top managers. We'll certainly be better than last season and looking to be a lot stronger and getting back to the top."
The 35-year-old missed the 4-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on Friday, meaning that he had no game time on the China tour but said the off-field aspects of the trip made it beneficial
Carrick added: "The Dortmund game was disappointing but training has gone well. It's about getting your fitness work in and also getting to know the manager and the staff and the new players."