Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini expects their emergence to only bring out the best in Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson once said "not in my lifetime" when asked whether City would ever go into a derby as ­favourites. But the bookies are backing the Blues after their 6-1 win at Old Trafford in October.

But Mancini doesn't expect the United boss to be going anywhere soon despite City's emergence.

He said: "If we win the title Fergie will be forced to recognise us as United's biggest rivals.

"He wants to stay for another three years and I think he'll do that even if we become successful."