Manuel Pellegrini has insisted he is not impressed by United's rise up the table. Asked for his thoughts about his team's great rivals surging past them in the Barclays Premier League, the Manchester City boss said: 'Not impressed, no, because I think Louis van Gaal has a career as a manager where his teams are always offensive teams, teams that win titles everywhere. 'United bought a lot of very good players such as Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Daley Blind. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says he is not impressed by Manchester United's rise up the table . He points out United's expensive signings such as Angel di Maria (centre) and Radamel Falcao (right) Pellegrini feels that a manager of Louis van Gaal's quality should be expected to do well with such a squad . Pellegrini feels that Juan Mata (left) and Ander Herrera are top players and central to United's run of form . Pellegrini has also singled out United's Dutch defender Daley Blind (right) as a key part of United's team . 'For me, the strange thing was why they didn't do it before, earlier in the season. 'But it's not a surprise how they are playing in this moment.' City have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions and have not won away since mid-February. That run has seen them slide off Chelsea's shoulder at the top of the league and down to fourth place. Pellegrini reiterated his stance that he is not fearful about losing his job but admitted his team have extra motivation ahead of Sunday's game. 'I think the first motivation is always to win,' he said. 'Being a derby against a team like United that dominated the league for so many years, it's more. 'At one time Sir Alex Ferguson said the neighbours were disturbing them a little bit more, so I say that's double motivation for us.' Crystal Palace forward Glenn Murray (bottom left) celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against City . Jason Puncheon scores a stunning free-kick for Palace as they inflict a 2-1 defeat on Pellegrini's men . City have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions and travel to Old Trafford on Sunday .
Manuel Pellegrini has played down the form of Manchester United .
He feels United were always expected to do well given their transfers .
Pellegrini is hoping to end a terrible run of form with Manchester City .
City have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions .
The two Manchester sides meet in the league on Sunday at Old Trafford .