Published: Today at 00:14
ROBERTO MANCINI fears Manchester United’s inner strength and stronger team spirit could prove crucial in Monday’s title-deciding derby with City.
Mancini’s troops are three points behind Alex Ferguson’s table-topping United.
If City win at the Etihad though, they will go top with two games left to play as they have a superior goal difference.
And boss Mancini said: “For the last 20 years Manchester United have been winning constantly.
“Even when they are coming from behind in the table, they know deep inside they can come back. They have this internal force born from all the success they have had.
“Playing often against United has helped our progress and allowed us to learn. We’ve moved closer to them but they are still better than us.
“They have more experience and that team spirit that we are in the process of building here.”
Cynics will say this is yet another twist in Mancini’s mind games with United, which the Italian started a few weeks ago.
After the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal this month, City dropped eight points behind United and Mancini conceded the title.
But the Red Devils’ shock 1-0 loss at Wigan and last Sunday’s 4-4 home draw with Everton allowed City, who beat Wolves, to get back within striking distance.
And Mancini heaped more pressure on United by insisting the title is still theirs to lose.
He added: “We didn’t watch United’s match with Everton because we were preparing for our match with Wolves.
“I hadn’t asked to be kept informed on what the score was, so I didn’t see Steven Pienaar’s goal that made it 4-4 live. In any case, that goal doesn’t change anything.
“We are always behind United and we are obliged to win on Monday, as United still have a big advantage and an easier run-in.
“They will play Swansea and Sunderland — who no longer have anything to lose or to gain — and we are facing Newcastle, who are doing very well, and QPR, who are playing for survival.
“The match against United could end up not deciding anything.”
Mancini also believes City will win the title next season if they end up missing out this year.
He continued: “We can be proud of the work we’ve done. It’s not 10 years City have been fighting for the title, just two.
“In 2010, we finished fifth and, the following season, we finished third with the same number of points as Chelsea in second.
“This year we are second and still on course for the title with three games left. We are progressing.
“We’ve played really well and were top of the league for 28 matches. If we don’t win the title this season, we will win the next one and have a lot of success in the years to come.”
Despite publicly claiming the title race was over, Mancini let slip that City never gave up on their dream — as their late comeback at home to Sunderland proved.
He told France Football: “We never gave up and are still fighting. Against Sunderland, for example, we were losing 3-1 before coming back to 3-3 in the last five minutes.
“It’s useless to say now what this title would mean to me. But it’s certain that for me, an Italian manager, to win this title would bring enormous pride. A few weeks ago we were eight points behind.
“If you have such a disadvantage it could mean you give up the chase but it was not the case with us and that’s important. It shows that, beyond our technical qualities, the team has values.”
Around 60 of Mancini’s friends are jetting in from Italy for the match.
He added: “It’s not the most important game of my life but yes, the match against United is hugely important.
“City have been waiting for a match like this since 1968 but I repeat, United have an enormous advantage.
“I don’t know if my heart is beating faster but I see that all the people in Manchester are waiting for the derby. It’s good for the city and creates the same fascination as Barcelona-Real Madrid.
“About 60 of my friends will travel from Italy to be at the game. I don’t think my parents will come but they will be watching on TV. They are happy and proud of me like any parent would be of their child.”
Mancini admitted he would love to sign United duo Wayne Rooney and the evergreen Ryan Giggs, 38.
And he reminded opposite number Fergie it is his turn to bring a bottle of red to the Etihad.
Mancini said: “If I could take one United player it would be Rooney, who is a champion. If he could play another five years I would also take Ryan Giggs. He still runs like a young boy.
“I don’t think I have to make a big speech before this game. A few words and big deeds, that’s what is needed.
“I will sleep well on Sunday, there are more important things in life.
“Last time I gave Sir Alex a bottle of Italian wine and it’s up to him to bring a bottle on Monday. He will make a good choice. I would like to have a bottle of red.”
As for who will win the derby Mancini laughed: “I don’t know who will win. It depends on United.”
Yeah right, pull the other one Roberto.
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