Man City boss Roberto Mancini claims United have fear factor

08 April 2013 08:51

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes Manchester United strike fear into opponents in a way his side do not.

Mancini feels there is an aura about United, built up over two decades of success, that gives them a firm advantage going into games. City may have won the Barclays Premier League last season but Mancini accepts they are still way short of possessing such a sheen, and their seemingly doomed title defence proves it.

The champions trail United by 15 points heading into their latest derby at Old Trafford, and Mancini said: "No one plays well against United because they only play with fear."

He added: "Every team that plays against United plays very soft because they think this game is difficult, they can't beat them.

"It is not true - if you play strong against United you can beat them, like they can beat us.

"But this is normal, this is football, this is because United have been a strong team for a long time.

"For the other teams they play against, it is difficult.

"We are young as a team and we don't have the same importance like United in this moment.

"Maybe in 10 years, it will be the same. The history is very important."

Source: PA