Fergie: Mancini deserves credit

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester City will have taken a huge stride forward if they complete their Premier League quest

Although Ferguson refuses to give up all hope, even he concedes it would take something stupid for his Manchester United side to secure top spot now. If City beat QPR at the Etihad Stadium, it would complete an achievement worth recognising for Blues boss Roberto Mancini, one that even Ferguson accepts goes far beyond merely assembling a squad at vast cost. "To win the league is not easy," said Ferguson. "Many people underestimate how difficult it is to win the league. Of course, Roberto Mancini has had a big financial advantage over everyone but you have still got to put a team on the pitch and pick the right players. "The manager must take the most credit if you win the league over here because when you have squads of players trying to orchestrate the harmony in the place is very important. "Making everyone feel they have played their part is not easy in the modern game. To win the league is a massive step forward for Mancini."