Mancini: Manchester United title tilt helped by Champions League exit

The former Inter boss believes that the Red Devils' desire to reclaim the Premier League trophy from his side will increase following the end of their European campaign

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini expects that Manchester United's controversial Champions League exit will only strengthen their resolve to claim the Premier League title.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming by his side's last-16 defeat to Real Madrid in midweek, highlighting Nani's "astonishing" red card as the turning point in the game.


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And Mancini believes that United will now be fully focused on preserving their 12-point lead at the top to claim a 20th top-flight success.

He told reporters: "United will now concentrate all their strength to win the championship and it was hard enough for us before this game against Madrid.

"It was better for us that they stayed in the Champions League."

The 48-year-old also voiced his disagreement with Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir's decision to send Nani off for a high challenge on Los Blancos defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

"I can see why Ferguson was frustrated," Mancini explained. "It was the same thing that saw [Vincent] Kompany sent off against Manchester United in the FA Cup last year.

"This was a big mistake and for me Nani did not deserve a yellow card. Even in Italy it would be nothing because Nani tried to take the ball."