Eriksson laments Ronaldo derby KO

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted it is a "pity" derby foes United will be without star man Cristiano Ronaldo at Eastlands on Sunday.

Ronaldo's red card at Portsmouth on Wednesday night means he must sit out the Manchester derby clash through suspension.

"It is always a pity," Eriksson said. "As a fan or a spectator in front of the TV, you want to see the best players perform."

He added: "But United have so many good footballers I think they can put in another one who is of roughly the same standard as well."

Ronaldo's absence should improve City's chances of maintaining their 100% start to the season, and Eriksson will be very much in a minority among the City faithful in lamenting Ronaldo's absence.

The 1-0 win over Derby on Wednesday means the Blues could lose at the weekend and still be above Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the Barclays Premier League table.

Academy graduate Michael Johnson was City's latest match-winner, crashing home his first senior goal three minutes before the interval, ending a barren Premier League run for his side on home soil which stretched back to New Year's Day.

"The goal gave everyone a big psychological lift," confirmed Eriksson. "It has given confidence to the fans and the squad.

"There is a long way to go yet, but we have two wins and two clean sheets, so we could not have started much better."