Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho says it's crucial they do not start their Premier League season slowly. There's a sense of weakness at Manchester United, who are adjusting to the massive change triggered by Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.

"It is important to start strong," he said. "We need to get as many points as possible in those first few games.

"It is not a question of thinking about United. We have to think about ourselves.

"It is important before the Champions League starts in mid-September to get as many points as possible because after that we are playing Saturday-midweek all the time and it gets harder."