MANCHESTER — Roberto Mancini has declared Manchester United favourites for the title after capturing Robin van Persie.
City boss Mancini wanted to land Van Persie but lost out to their arch rivals in the race for the Arsenal star.
And he has now claimed that his side faces a huge challenge in their bid to defend the Barclays Premier League title.
He said: “Robin van Persie is a really top player and the best striker last year. With Wayne Rooney they will have one of the best couple of strikers in the Premier League.
“Any team that bought Van Persie would be better and I was serious last week when I said Manchester United were the favourites.
“They have been playing for the title every year for 20 years. We can’t change this situation in one year. “I felt he was going to stay at Arsenal or sign for another team, but not us. We already have four strikers. It was impossible for us to sign another one.”
Mancini was accompanied at his pre-match briefing by new signing Jack Rodwell, who expressed his determination to meet the challenge provided by the additional pressure of his move from Everton. Mancini also confirmed Gareth Barry remains on the sidelines with an abdominal problem.
However, Joe Hart could be fit after missing both the Community Shield and England’s win over Italy with a back problem.
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“Joe will train with the team on Saturday, then we will decide,” said Mancini.
