United still in title hunt, says Keegan

Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan believes local rivals United are still in with a chance of winning the Premier League title following their derby victory on Sunday.

United's 2-0 win at the City of Manchester City Stadium trimmed Chelsea's advantage at the top of the table to nine points.

"I don't think the title race is over. Man Utd have got to keep going like they have for the last 16 or 17 games and I have seen them do it before, first hand," Keegan, manager of Newcastle United when they surrendered a big lead to Alex Ferguson's side in 1995-96, told reporters.

"They can keep going, but I think Chelsea can as well. Chelsea have still got to play Arsenal and United so it's still possible they could lose some games.

"But is it possible for United to win everything between now and the end of the season? That's going to be tougher."

United have won 12 and drawn two league games since drawing 0-0 with Manchester City in November.

"We are not doing much wrong, but they (Chelsea) are getting the breaks," United manager Alex Ferguson said.

"I couldn't believe the sending-off of Everton striker James Beattie and it (Chelsea's win) could have been a kick in the teeth for us, but we gathered ourselves well against City.

"I don't think it was our best performance over the past two or three weeks but I think we were deserved winners."

England striker Wayne Rooney claimed United's opening goal for his 13th of the season, via a deflection off City defender Richard Dunne, who then sliced a Rooney cross into his own net as the visitors scored twice in eight second-half minutes.

"He (Rooney) has been fantastic and he's getting better all the time," Ferguson added.