Manchester City's Roberto Mancini praises United boss Alex Ferguson

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson as a "teacher" as his side prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.

The Italian, who has led City to the top of the table, believes that all managers should look up to the Scotsman.

"He is a teacher and I can learn from him," said Mancini. "It is not just me, it is all the managers.

"He has won everything for 25 years but he wants to continue to win."

The arch rivals go head to head at Old Trafford on Sunday.