Mancini, who has repeatedly played down City's hopes of being crowned champions of England for the first time in 44 years, saw his men move to within three points of United with a 2-0 win away to Wolves on Sunday.

Goals from Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri meant City, whose win relegated Wolves, could now go top on goal difference with two matches then remaining if they beat United at Eastlands next Monday after the champions were held to a shock 4-4 draw by Everton at Old Trafford earlier Sunday.