Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes rivals Manchester United are concerned by the threat posed by the Eastlands outfit.
Mancini believes City are now serious rivals to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and United are aware of the competition.
“I think that they now know we are a strong team,” Mancini told Sky Sports News.
“I think the situation has changed in this moment.
“We have respect for them, we have respect for Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) because he is the top manager in the world. But we are getting better. It will be a good game.
“In the last three of four derbies City have played at the same level as United but have lost late in the game. This season we are a different team.
“They are a strong team who are ready to play until the last second. They won against Wolves like that. They have a strong mentality because they have won a lot of trophies.”
“I think it will be a good game.
“Our target must be the Champions League. It is important we are near Chelsea and Manchester United in January and February.
“I think we can have a chance. We must take it game to game. For the moment we must only think of United.”
