Cole tips United for title

Andrew Cole believes former club Manchester United will win the English Premier League – not another of his ex-clubs, Manchester City.

The 40-year-old ex-striker represented United over 200 times and also had a short stint at arch-rivals City later in his career, but is convinced Alex Ferguson’s side will add to their 19 English league titles.

He believes United’s experience and team spirit will prove influential in the title race.

“Manchester United will win the English Premier League this season,” Cole wrote in his column for The National.

“City have been outstanding at times, they may even boast better individuals and they’ve certainly spent more money, but United have a better team spirit and, crucially, experience.”

Cole said City goalkeeper Joe Hart’s comments following their goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion were telling.

“Joe Hart said that City are suffering from the pressure after their Boxing Day draw at West Brom,” Cole added.

“He’s right. City are now the team to beat and sides will do anything to take points off them, even if they play so defensively that they only intend to get a draw.”

“City will be stressed by the expectations of the media, their own fans, rival supporters and themselves.”

“Moving clear of the pack after beating the champions 6-1 away will have given them huge confidence, but maybe that game came too early in the season to be crucial.”