• 'It would be fantastic if City could pick the trophy up'
• 'United have won it enough times,' says Given
The former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given believes it would be good news for the Premier League if his old club press home their advantage over Manchester United and win the title.
The Blues beat United 1-0 on Monday night to return to the top of the table on goal difference, and victory in their final two matches against Newcastle and QPR will almost certainly be enough to secure their first championship since 1968.
Given, who is now with Aston Villa, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's fantastic for the Premier League if, please God, Manchester City do win it, because Man United have won it enough times.
"I've got lots of friends at Manchester City and it would be fantastic if they could pick the trophy up, but they have got a tough game at my old club Newcastle at the weekend. I think they're in the driving seat and hopefully they can get across the line."
Asked whether City, owned by the hugely wealthy Sheikh Mansour, could be accused of buying success, Given added: "I don't think so. Years ago I was at Blackburn and Jack Walker had a lot of money and he invested in the team and Blackburn Rovers won the league, and I think if you look at the recent success of Chelsea and Manchester United they have had lots of investment in the team too.
"It's just that Manchester City have done it over a shorter period than the bigger clubs. But it's part and parcel of modern-day football."
The City manager, Roberto Mancini, continues to insist that United are better placed to win the title, claiming their games against Swansea and Sunderland are "easier" than those facing his side. Given expects the Italian to do a good job of keeping the players grounded.
"I'm sure Mancini is on a high this morning. It's a great win but I'm sure he's not getting carried away, there are a few games left to go and he will be keeping the players really focused on the job in hand. It's in their hands now and it would be a shame if they threw it away," the Republic of Ireland international said. Read More
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