Roberto Mancini believes Man City's 2012 title win 'changed' rivalry with Man Utd

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said pipping Manchester United to the 2011/12 Premier League title 'changed' their rivalry.

City went into that campaign without a title win since 1968, but after nearly half a decade of heavy spending following the Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover, they were ready to challenge Man Utd again.

A back-and-forth season saw City leapfrog their greatest rivals into first place with two games remaining after beating United 1-0 in the Manchester derby thanks to a Vincent Kompany header. The title would then be won with virtually the last kick of the campaign thanks to Sergio Aguero's famous clincher against QPR on the final day.

But current Italy boss Mancini has pinpointed the derby two weeks prior as the moment where the history of football in the city of Manchester 'changed'.

"We were on top after many weeks and in that moment, we had everything in our hands," Mancini told City's website.

"After we beat them at the Etihad, we had a big chance to win [the title]. We celebrated after the United game as is normal, but we also knew that ‘OK guys we have other difficult games. We need to have important concentration as it’s very important’.

"I have a lot of respect for Sir Alex [Ferguson] and for what he did in football history in Manchester, and what he did with United. But you know when we played this game, we were both so nervous in that moment.

"I also think maybe in that moment something changed in Manchester after so many years."

Man Utd romped their way to the 2012/13 title in response in Ferguson's final year in charge, but City have been the dominant force in Manchester ever since.

The Citizens have won five Premier League titles and seven domestic trophies since the Scot's retirement, whereas United have only scooped up one FA Cup, one EFL Cup and one Europa League.