Had a closer read of the Guardian piece:-
"No one plays well against United because they only play with fear," said Mancini when asked his opinion of Sunderland's performance in what proved Martin O'Neill's final game as manager the Saturday before last.
AND
"One hundred per cent sure," said Mancini when asked if City would be in the title race had they signed the players he wanted.
Reasonable responses mispepresented.