Neville says title is Manchester bound

9 December 2012 14:50

Gary Neville believes the Premier League title will go to either Manchester United or Manchester City.

Roberto Mancini's side beat Sir Alex Ferguson's men twice last season and won the title on goal difference - a factor the Old Trafford boss attributed in part to being beaten by City 6-1 at home, meaning a 10-goal swing.

However, while the champions could regain top spot with a win against the Red Devils on Sunday, Neville suggested the twists and turns of last season have shown the race may go down to the wire again.

"The title race is between these two. I don't see any other team with the mental strength, durability and character that these clubs possess," he wrote in the Daily Mail.

"Make no mistake, these are the best teams in England right now. They haven't been at their best yet and if there's one thing I would want to see on Sunday it's a step up in quality.

"My gut feeling assessing the Manchester derby on Sunday is to say that this is just another three points in a long season.

"In my years of fighting for titles and having watched several races unfold, Sunday's result will not have a pivotal influence on the eventual outcome.

"It is far too early to judge and there are too many twists and turns to come."