United manager Simon Grayson admits the excitement is building at the club ahead of Saturday's npower Championship opener against Derby County (5.15pm).

After just over five weeks to prepare for the new campaign, the countdown is well and truly underway to a big kick-off that will take place in full glare of the Match of the Day cameras.

"We've had a good week," said the United boss.

"There's a lot of excitement around the club and the city and you can sense the players are ready to put all their hard work into action.

"Everyone club wants to achieve something and we're no different. We want to be achieving things. We've had a good pre-season and we're looking forward to the start.

"It's a level playing field going into the weekend. Everyone starts on zero points and by the time you get to Saturday evening you want to get three points and get off to a good start.

"The players are focused and we've worked hard on things, and we're aware of what Derby are capable of as well."

United will be backed by a crowd of around 30,000 for the opening game of the season against the Rams.