Wayne Rooney delivered another inspirational speech to put Manchester United in the mood to beat Manchester City on Sunday, teammate Daley Blind has revealed.
Manager Louis van Gaal gave captain Rooney some of the credit for March's win over Tottenham when he had produced a stirring team talk.
And left-back Blind said Rooney used United's wretched recent derby record to spur them on to success against City as they won 4-2.
They had lost their previous four meetings with City and Blind said: "Everyone knew how important this game was because of the history of the last four games.
"And Wayne Rooney mentioned that just when we got outside and I think everyone is sharp at the point and before the game but it brings a little bit extra more feeling with it."
Blind believes Rooney picked the perfect moment to address his colleagues, explaining: "He just mentioned it in the dressing room before the game to all the players. It is still something that you have in mind when you go on to the pitch.
"You saw how everyone was fighting for each other. Maybe after the first five minutes we were a bit like: 'What is happening here?' but after that we picked it up again and we did very well. And with the crowd behind us, it was amazing."
United have recorded six straight league wins and their recent victims include Tottenham, Liverpool and City.
They visit league leaders Chelsea next and Blind said: "It doesn't change anything. We have to look at ourselves. Every game is a final to the end and we have to believe in ourselves."
United's recent run has brought suggestions they could be champions next year and Netherlands international Blind believes that has to be the aim.
"I think Manchester United is always a club that is fighting for the title so it's an easy answer," he said.