Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that rivals Manchester City have the Premier League title at their mercy, but is hoping that Newcastle can do Manchester United a favour by beating their title rivals this weekend.

After a 1-0 City win over the Red Devils on Monday night, Roberto Mancini’s men are top of the standings on goal difference with two games to play.

For the defending champions to get their advantage back they need the Etihad Stadium outfit to slip up, with the game at the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday a potential banana skin.

“Monday night was a blow to us. We have to do what we can now and hopefully win our game on Sunday,” the Scot told reporters, published by Sky Sports.

“By that time we’ll know what we’ll need to do, after City’s game. Hopefully we can recover and win our own game.

“We’ll be aware of the game going on before ours – you can’t avoid it. We still have to prepare for our game, though. We won’t neglect our preparation.

“But if City were to win by 3-0, say, the goal difference would be 11. It would be impossible for us then, I think.

“Newcastle are fighting for that position in the top four and they have a chance. It’s an exciting end to the season.

“You don’t get easy games in the league – going to Sunderland on the last day is not an easy game.

“The challenge for City is to win at Newcastle. Newcastle are playing very well. They lost 4-0 at Wigan but galvanised themselves to win at Chelsea.

“Their form is good and it won’t be an easy game for City,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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