Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has welcomed Manchester City's threat but wouldn't swap squads ahead of their FA Cup showdown on Sunday.

City are 11/10 to win the third round tie while United can be backed at 5/2 to progress, with Rooney 6/1 to net the opening goal.

Rooney admits Sir Alex Ferguson's side face a daunting challenge when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face the current holders of the trophy.

United have suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, and will also be looking for some revenge after City inflicted a humiliating 6-1 defeat on them at Old Trafford in October.

But despite all the angst and talks of a crisis at United, Rooney is happy to accept the challenge and would back his team-mates against anybody else in the country.

The Red Devils striker admits: "City are a powerful side with loads of good players. I'm happy that Manchester has two great teams. I can't see a downside to that.

"People are entitled to their opinions, but I can honestly say I wouldn't swap any other squad in the league for the one we've got at United. I think we deserve to be respected for what we've achieved over the years.

"We know how to win trophies at this club - simple as."

There are strong rumours circulating in Manchester that midfielder Yaya Toure could be available for the encounter, as part of an elaborate smokescreen.

The Ivory Coast have insisted the player join up immediately with them ahead of the African Cup of Nations, but their training camp is currently in Abu Dhabi - home of City's wealthy owners - and there are mutterings of him being made available for the United clash.

City are 13/2 to retain the FA Cup this season, while United can be backed at 8/1 to win the trophy.

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