"I have found midfield a great challenge, and Saturday is another challenge. Deep down I have always thought I could play there and I have always loved it there. I am enjoying it more than ever. To do a successful job at Maine Road can only help me."
The last derby was in April 2001 when the clash ended in a 1-1 Old Trafford draw and Phil believes United have some making up to do with their supporters after that performance.
"It was a strange atmosphere," he recalls. "We had won the league and were just waiting to get our hands on the trophy. But we had also been put out of Europe days earlier against Bayern Munich. So there were mixed emotions.
"We didn't play well and we owe our fans a better showing this time."