Sir Alex Ferguson dismissive of Mancini's title claims

The 70-year-old has backed the Red Devils to respond this season after being thrillingly beaten to the title last term by their local rivals, despite the Italian's downplaying

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed claims from Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini that Manchester United are favourites for the Premier League title.

Mancini has repeatedly claimed that the Red Devils are the team to beat this season, but Sir Alex believes the Italian should stop downplaying the strength of his own side.

"We're favourites every week according to him, he needs to realise he has a decent team himself," Ferguson told reporters.

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	FERGIE'S RIGHT
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Although we've won it 12 times in the last 25 years, we've also been second seven times - I expect us to respond."

It took a 94th minute winner from Sergio Aguero in the final minute of the season to wrestle the title away from Old Trafford, but the Scot does not believe such a dramatic end to the title race last term means they are any bigger rivals this season than they have been in the past.

"That rivalry has been going on for years, not just last season," he insisted.

United kick off their season with an away trip to Everton on Monday, but they will have to wait until December 8 for their first encounter against City at the Etihad Stadium.