Football: United will remain favourites, says Mancini

Manchester clubs involved in key derby tomorrow.

MANCHESTER:


Roberto Mancini insists Manchester United will still be favourites for the Premier League title, even if City win tomorrow’s derby at Eastlands.


United have seen an eight-point advantage slip away thanks to a defeat at Wigan and last weekend’s 4-4 draw with Everton. A victory will move City to the top-level on points but a better goal-difference – with just two matches remaining.

“I think they have more chance than us,” said Mancini. “I have huge respect for United because they’re the best team here and maybe in Europe with Barca and Real Madrid.”

City are hoping for a first league title since 1968 and despite leading for so long, Mancini maintains he will be happy with the club’s progress even if they fail to win the league.


After helping the club to three consecutive victories, former United striker Carlos Tevez is expected to start in attack alongside fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero.

Rooney-Welbeck new Yorke-Cole, says Fergie

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes strike pair Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck could emulate the Old Trafford goal-scoring havoc once wreaked by Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.

Welbeck scored his 12th goal of the campaign last week while Wayne Rooney’s has scored 33. Those performances brought back memories of the 53 goals that Yorke and Cole plundered during United’s treble-winning campaign.

“Last week we saw something special,” said Ferguson. “I know there was a lot of reference to the Yorke and Cole thing. There were similarities to that. Welbeck’s movement was fantastic. Now he’s fit again and playing consistently.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2012. 
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