4 May 2012

Cautious Mancini still happy to play the underdog

12:23 pm on 4 May 2012

The mind games are in full swing between Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini following this week's Manchester derby that handed the English Premiership title initiative to City with just 180 minutes left in the season.

A 1-0 win at home to their neighbours on Monday put the destiny of the silverware in City's hands as they seek to end a 44-year wait to be crowned champions of England.

City and United are level on 83 points with Roberto Mancini's side having a superior goal difference of eight going into games at in-form Newcastle United on Sunday and relegation-threatened Queen Park Rangers a week later.

United welcome Swansea City to Old Trafford on Sunday before completing their campaign at Sunderland.

Mancini has declared United, who are seeking a fifth Premier League title in six seasons, are still favourites because they have "easier" games left.

Ferguson says City are in the driving seat but defiantly stated that "it was not over".