United favourites - Mancini

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has started the mind games by claiming Manchester United are favourites to win the Premier League.

The Italian ended City's 44-year wait for the title in dramatic fashion last season as his side came from 2-1 down to score two injury time goals against QPR at the Etihad Stadium in their final game and pipped the Red Devils courtesy of a superior goal difference. However, Mancini is already trying to alleviate the pressure on his players' shoulders by insisting that Sir Alex Ferguson's side should be regarded as the team to beat when the new campaign gets underway next weekend. Mancini, who has struggled to bolster his squad this summer, said: "[Manchester] United start as favourites this year. "We are maybe in second, third or fourth position."