Mancini: United pose biggest threat

Manchester United are the team to beat.

That’s the message from Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini as his team prepares for Sunday’s Community Shield .

City are appearing in the traditional season curtain-raiser for the first time since 1973, as the sides look to gain the first bragging rights of the new campaign.

United won their 19th English League title last season and Mancini knows the pressure is on right from the start.

“I think at the moment Manchester United are at the top, because they are a strong team. They won the last Premier League title, they have bought four or five good players and at the moment are above us,” Mancini said.

“It is difficult to say who can win the title: United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Last season we were there until the end of February, I think this year it is really important that we stay on the top for a really long time.”

The 37.5 million pound signing was in doubt because of blistered feet but Mancini says he’s recovering well.

“Sergio is ok. He had a problem, but yesterday (Thursday) he did 20 minutes training, but today he will be available. He will come on the bench.”

“I don’t think he is ready 100 per cent, but he is fit to be on the bench.”

One player whose future is still unclear is that of club captain Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine striker is due to return to City on Monday after being granted 21 days leave following the Copa America.

And Mancini reiterated that no deal has been made that would see the striker leave the club.

“Carlos (Tevez) is a City player at the moment we haven’t heard about other things and Carlos will play for Manchester City.”

City take on United at Wembley on Sunday as both teams look to win their first silverware of the new season.