Despite last week's derby defeat, Roberto Mancini has again declared Manchester City are a better team than Manchester United.

The Italian believes the championship race could turn City's way once United return to Champions League action.

"We showed last week that we are better than Manchester United," said Mancini. "They do have more experience than us. They don't have any problems when they are behind. They continue to work.

"We should do the same. It only depends on us whether we can recover these points.

"But the season is long and everything might change in February when the Champions League starts again."