Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that his team have learned from Manchester United but their rivals are still better than them.
Mancini's side are preparing to face Sir Alex Ferguson's side on Monday, knowing that a win will put them top of the Premier League table.
However, the Italian concedes that Manchester United's history of success means that they are still seen as the best team in the country.
Mancini said: "For the last 20 years Manchester United have been winning constantly.
"Playing often against United has helped our progress and allowed us to learn. We've moved closer to them but they are still better than us.
"They have more experience and that team spirit that we are in the process of building here."
The 47-year-old has been in charge at Eastlands since 2009.
