Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is under no illusion that Manchester United are close to slipping out of the title race despite recording two consecutive defeats.

The Premier League champions have slipped to three points adrift of their North West rivals City following surprise defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

Despite experiencing a dip in their title defence, Mancini believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's side remain a threat, as do Tottenham Hotspur.

"I think in this moment City, United and Tottenham can win this title," said Mancini. "I think that United are the one team that are very positive because they're mentality is very strong.

"After one or two defeats for them it's like it's not happened and they start to play strong and win games. For this reason I think that they are very dangerous, always."

The two rivals go head to head in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.