Mancini: United title favourites

Man City manager Roberto Mancini is certain Robin van Persie will improve Manchester United and has once again stated his belief the Red Devils should be seen as the favourites for this season’s Premier League title.

The capture of last term’s Golden Boot winner represents a bold statement of intent on the part of Alex Ferguson. A week ago Mancini had already labelled Ferguson’s men as favourites to win the title, and yesterday he made it clear his feeling on the matter had only grown stronger.

Asked if it was even more so the case that United should have the favourites tag with van Persie among their ranks, Mancini said: “Yes, for sure, and I was serious when I said this last week because United have played for the title always, every year for 20 years.

“Although we won the last championship, we can’t change this in one year. For this reason, I think they are favourites for the title.’’

Questions have been raised over the £24 million fee for Van Persie, who is 29 and has suffered with injury problems in the past, but Mancini is in no doubt that United are better off for having the Netherlands striker.

He said: “I think Van Persie is one of the best strikers in the world. I am sure they are better with him. Anybody who bought him would be better.”