Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney accepts Manchester City will be a title challenger this season.
Speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport, Rooney also said he was impressed by City's controversial youngster Mario Balotelli.
"There are at least five or six teams that will play for the championship this year, and among these there is also Manchester City. In the Premier League, more than any other country, the small teams can beat the big ones," he said.
On Balotelli he added: "I have not had the pleasure of knowing him off the field, but from what I see he is a good player."
