The Belgium midfielder believes the gap between Manchester United and Pep Guardiola's side is not as big as some people think
Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini says he believes that rivals Manchester City are not capable of finishing their league campaign unbeaten despite their prolific start to the season.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who broke a Premier League record last season by winning the title with 100 points, have only dropped four points from their opening 12 league matches this term and have already firmly established themselves at the summit of the table.
Their latest victory came in a 3-1 win against United in the first Manchester derby of the season earlier this month.
Much was made of City’s domination against Jose Mourinho’s side on the day and the defeat left the Red Devils seven points adrift of fourth-placed Spurs.
Fellaini, though, is refusing to dwell on his side’s defeat, and when asked if the result proved the significant gulf in quality between the two sides, the Belgian told Sky Sports: "I don't think so. I remember when I arrived in England it was a top four, now it is a top six, so every year it is more difficult.
"Next season we will see how it changes and in two and three years I think every year it is more difficult, the intensity is higher, so that's why the Premier League is attractive.
"Manchester City are strong, but I think they will lose. Ok, they are very good and they have good players but it's possible to beat them. We lost, but we have the second game at Old Trafford and we will see."
Liverpool are the team hot on City’s heels this season and currently sit two points behind the champions in second.
However, Guardiola’s side look determined to further improve on their hugely impressive previous campaign and have only dropped points in the Premier League in away matches against Wolves and Liverpool so far.
Fellaini has admitted that there is much to admire about United’s local rivals, particularly their attacking style of play.
"They are very confident, all of them, they play good football, they play attacking football and they have a good dynamic,” the midfielder added.
City’s next league match will see them take on West Ham this Saturday, whilst United are set to host Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace on the same day.
EAsoft
311
Yeah not very far away just a 20min drive
ELDER GODWIN
262
he's right.. you can ride a bicycle from Old Trafford to etihad.. that ain't far 😂😂😂😂😂😂
aryan-tyagi
250
are you sure you are looking at 2018/19 season table?
bababklmr
235
You are dreaming, Fellaini, I am a Man u fan but at least I admit we are far away from Man city s level, they outplayed us last week, our manager is not bringing out the full potential of the squad and I like you Fellaini but with players like you, we can't challenge City
Cawaciklny
214
I do not agree with this at all because it is simply false. Manchester City are currently in the top 5 teams of Europe, if not the top. Manchester united are good, no doubt. But they are definitely not City quality as of now. Manchester City now have the feeling around them of a team which domestically and in Europe look like a super power and the game is not over until the final whistle us blown if they find themselves in deficit. You need not be a fan to see this. Just watch them in Europe and in the league and you can feel it.
joyaceory
162
I think he meant in terms of geographical distance
ReivaXD123
157
The title of this article alone could become a meme.
SWEEPERKEEPER
117
Fellaini compass is confused. United is closer to Cardiff than to City!.
kareemdontmesswith
8
Yeah not very far away just a 20min drive
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omg genius absolute genius 😂😂😂😂