As has already been stated, this is the first time, in the majority of our lifetimes, that we've got a stronger squad than them on paper. To finish above them depends on a number of issues, for our part - ignoring what they do, I believe they are:
* Mancini winning the confidence of the whole squad - the Bellamy stories may be pure media fantasy, I'm however unconvinced that Bobby has the full backing from all quarters of the camp.
* The media - yes I said the dirty word again, but I believe if they keep up their tirade of anti-city drivel it'll only spure us on - siege mentality and all that.
* Our fans - I dread to think what might happen should we lose to both Spurs and Liverpool in our opening games (unlikely but a very realistic possibility) it's important we all remember it's only 1/19th of the season what ever happens and there's no rash backlash against the manager, Cook or the players
* Our home form - if we really want to finish above United we have to win 80 if not 90% of all of our home games, no more silly slip ups, the ground should not empty should we go 1-0 down with ten minutes to play and the pies should not contain sultanas.
That's all - if we can beat ourselfs, in a manner of speaking, we'll beat United over the course of the season.