Steve Bruce is no stranger to title success having skippered Manchester United to their first title in 26yrs in the early 90s, so is best placed to asses a title race. The former Sunderland boss believes that United have the upper hand, having got through a difficult run of games, but doesn’t feel that Red Devils will run away with a lead at the top of the Premier League like they have experience in recent years:

“They’ve had a wonderful run, and over January and February they have stayed the course. They had a tough run of games with matches against Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, and they have come through that. Now it will be interesting to see Manchester City’s reaction. It is the first time they have been behind in five months. In the past, once United have got in front, they have stayed there over the last eight or 10 games. In the past they have run away with it and won the league by 10 or 12 points, but I don’t think that will happen this time. From a neutral standpoint, let’s hope City stay with them.”

United obviously have experience behind them, having won 12 Premier League titles and Steve Bruce believes that City will need to overcome that psychological barrier of winning that first title before they can go on a sustained run of the success in the League like their great Manchester rivals:

“We found that was the most difficult thing when we won it in ’93. It doesn’t matter how many talented players you have, make no mistake you get nervous. Back in ’92 we lost a hell of a lead to Leeds, and in the end we choked, if I’m being honest. But the experience of that helped us the year after. The first one is always the most difficult one.”

For more insight from Steve Bruce and other leading managers plus exclusive Barclays Premier League highlights go to www.yahoo.co.uk/sport