Sir Alex Ferguson questions Roberto Mancini claims

Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned Roberto Mancini's claims that Manchester United are favourites to win the Premier League title.

Mancini guided local rivals Manchester City to their first league title in 44 years on a dramatic final day of last season.

"We're favourites every week according to him. He needs to realise he has a decent team himself," Ferguson told reporters.

"Although we've won it 12 times in the last 25 years, we've also been second seven times - I expect us to respond."

Ferguson was speaking at a press conference as the club unveiled new signing Robin van Persie following the striker's £24m move from Arsenal.