Title bid kept City together - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Manchester City "might have fallen apart" this season had it not been for their Premier League title bid.

Both Manchester clubs head into the final game knowing they could end up as champions. However, City have the clear edge thanks to their goal difference advantage, which means if they beat QPR at the Etihad Stadium it would secure them their first title since 1968. It represents a major achievement for manager Roberto Mancini, who has had to deal with numerous issues, including Carlos Tevez's lengthy absence from the club and Mario Balotelli's erratic behaviour. "It is obvious all the things he has had to deal with," said Ferguson. "If he didn't have the closeness to win the league, it might have fallen apart." Instead, City look set to be crowned champions, setting United a challenge Ferguson likens to the one Jose Mourinho laid down following his arrival at Chelsea in 2004. "We had to contend with Jose's management style, which was very effective," said Ferguson. "He did a fantastic job there. You knew you were competing against a very clever manager. You weren't just facing the money, you were facing a very united squad. "They were hard to beat. City - quality-wise - are very similar to Chelsea at that time. Some of their players have had outstanding seasons. When you win the league you need five or six players who are consistently good all the time. City have had that this year and the manager, for most of the part, has done well."