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Man United still in control of title race - Mancini

Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez look a devastating strike partnership for Manchester City © PA Photos

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Roberto Mancini still refused to talk up Manchester City's title chances on Sunday, despite regaining control of their destiny on what could prove to be the pivotal day in the Premier League race.

United's spectacular collapse at home to Everton, which saw them throw away a 4-2 lead inside the final ten minutes to draw 4-4, allowed City back to within three points following their 2-0 win at Wolves. Victory in the Manchester derby a week on Monday would send City top.

However, Mancini has been guarded over his team's chances ever since United dropped points at Wigan. Back then he stated that City were not in a title race, and he hardly improved his opinion on Sunday.

Asked if he now felt confident of edging out United in the title run-in, Mancini replied on Sky Sports: "No, United are still in a very strong position.

"We are there, they have the bigger chance, more than us. After we play the derby, we play at Newcastle and then QPR at home. We have difficult games.

"United, after us, have two not easy games but not difficult like us. We have a chance. We're pleased with our form, but now we have three games."

City triumphed thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri at Wolves, who were relegated as a result. Mancini was not happy with his team's display, nor the sight of Wolves leaving the Premier League.

"We didn't do a good performance like against Norwich. Our performance was not perfect," Mancini said. "Maybe we thought this game was easy, but no, this team (Wolves) do not deserve to be bottom. We had four or five chances to score more, but it was important we won."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.