De Jong fires warning shot

Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has sent a warning to title rivals Manchester United, saying they can handle the pressure.

City sit four points behind Premier League leaders United, and face a tough test against visiting Chelsea on Wednesday.

For much of the season Roberto Mancini’s side were clear at the top of the league and looked like they might run away with the title.

But some recent wobbles and United’s consistency have converged to put the title race very much in the balance – and tilting towards Old Trafford.

Following both clubs’ elimination from the Europa League in midweek, the only chance of silverware for either this season is now the Premier League crown – and the battle for that could go right down to the wire.

De Jong admits Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have the track record, the experience and the history to be regarded as favourites, but the Dutchman insisted his team have the ability and the will to claim the title in May.

“We don’t fear the momentum is with United. We don’t have any fear,” de Jong told The Mirror on Sunday.

“Over the last 12 days or so we’ve been in a moment where things haven’t been as easy as they were at the start of the season.”

“The next 10 games are cup finals because we have only the league now.”