Kevin De Bruyne is back and his combination with Erling Haaland is set to give Man Utd nightmares in the derby

KEVIN DE BRUYNE has surprised himself over the sensational way he has bounced back from injury for Manchester City.

The Belgian goes into Sunday’s derby with Manchester United in brilliant form despite missing half the season after surgery on his hamstring.

AFP

Kevin De Bruyne (left) set up four goals for Erling Haaland on Tuesday night[/caption]

De Bruyne set up four of Erling Haaland’s goals in Tuesday’s 6-2 FA Cup thrashing of Luton meaning he has delivered 11 assists this season, the most of any of Pep Guardiola’s stars.

This is despite the fact the 32-year-old has played just 12 games for City this season. If you ever needed proof as to whether De Bruyne is the best player in the Premier League, this is surely it.

De Bruyne is being careful with his fitness and remained on the bench for the 1-0 win over Brentford last Tuesday.

Asked if he feared that he could suffer a major setback with the injury, he said: “I did not worry but I did not expect to come back in this way, if I am being honest.

“I feel like I came back in a good way after being out that long. I could not ask for anything more because after six months, you don’t know what could happen. I am pleased about that.

“I feel good. I think only against Brentford I was a little bit tired and I had a kick on my other hamstring. I just wanted to make sure that I didn’t risk that but I feel fine and I hope to maintain that.

“Normally I just play on but that’s mostly been my downfall before. In a way, I try to take care of myself but I also make decisions.

“I know if you don’t play for six months and come back, you’re going to get niggles everywhere else.”

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

You could understand why United’s defence could be having nightmares if they watch video analysis of the way De Bruyne brutally dismantled the Luton defence with Haaland ending up striking five times.

Haaland has now scored 27 goals in 29 matches this term and De Bruyne added: “It’s never going to change. He’s that prolific and he makes the runs in the box and we create a lot of chances for him. It works really well together.”

As for United on Sunday, De Bruyne said: “We are doing well, winning most of the games. It’s hard because every opponent gives us a different challenge.

“Bournemouth and Luton play man versus man and Copenhagen are more tight.

“It’s still a derby and I know sometimes they do well when they have been struggling and we will try to give a good performance on Sunday.”

Although it seemed impossible at the start of the season, City are now in the running for winning the treble in successive seasons.

De Bruyne smiled when asked about the possibility of such a remarkable feat. He said: “We are in all the competitions that we need to be and we are fighting for them.

“That is something that is really positive after the seasons we have had before and going far.

“You hear about other teams when sometimes there is a drop off but if we win or don’t win, we are fighting until the end and the drop off has not been that much. 

MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: All the latest news from Old Trafford