• Premier League

Fletcher fearful of City threat

Darren Fletcher: 'It has been a strange season' © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Fergie forecasts five-way title battle
  
• News: Ancelotti plays down United's title credentials
  

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes Manchester City are genuine title contenders this season.

City have perhaps made slower progress than expected since the 2008 takeover that has allowed them to invest in players including Robinho, Carlos Tevez, David Silva and Yaya Toure, but they currently sit level on points with United at the top of the table.

Roberto Mancini's assistant, Brian Kidd, has claimed that the title is United's to lose given that they have games in hand on all their rivals, but Fletcher feels it is purely a case of mind games.

"It is just a bit of kidology," he said. "It is still early stages and lot of teams will feel they are capable of winning the league. We are one of them.

"We are in a good position. We are top of the league with games in hand, but it is easy counting the points. You have to win your matches and your games in hand.

"This is the important part of the season when you really need to kick-on. After January, when all the big games come on the title run-in, that is when it is important to be playing well and winning games."

He added: "Manchester City are realistic title challengers. They are there. They are top of the league with us just now. They are winning games and look solid defensively. When you have that much money to spend and sign that many quality players, they are going to be a threat."

While United remain unbeaten in the league this season, this week's 1-1 draw with Birmingham was a reminder that all the top teams have had their problems against sides they would have expected to beat.

"It has been a strange season," Fletcher said. "There were signs of it last year, when there were some unexpected results and a lot more points dropped.

"It is more competitive from top to bottom. The likes of Bolton and Sunderland have improved and Tottenham and Manchester City have got into the Champions League places. The league is definitely getting stronger, as a result of which you are seeing a lot more dropped points."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.