Manchester United deserve to win the Premier League, but not because they are better than Manchester City, says Roberto Mancini.
The Red Devils can clinch their 20th top-flight title on Monday night by beating Aston Villa, after City lost to Tottenham on Sunday.
And the City boss conceded United’s attitude has been a key factor in their storming of the league, after missing out last season.
“When you win, you deserve to win it,” Mancini told The Guardian.
“You always need a bit of luck in football – it is like life. But they did not win by luck. They had a better attitude because they lost last year.
“They started the season and they wanted to win after last year. There are many reasons why we lose but I repeat, they deserve to win it.”
However, despite their healthy gap at the top of the league – 13 points ahead of the game at Old Trafford – Mancini insisted United are not better than his side.
“We don’t have a gap,” added the Italian. “Every time we have played United, we have played better, also when we have lost the game.
“They are not a better team but they deserve to win this title.
“United won a lot of games in a row with goals and they deserve to win the title.”
Mancini admitted this season has been a disappointment, following last year’s dramatic and historic title-clinching final day.
However, he believes City’s FA Cup run is important and silverware would go some way to saving the campaign.
“I’m not happy because I like to win the championship,” he added.
“But we have another chance to win the FA Cup and I think the FA Cup is important. And we can be in second position.
“If that is not good enough, then every manager should be sacked.”
Image courtesy of BBC, via YouTube, with thanks.
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