Red triumphed over Blue in the latest edition of the Manchester derby on Wednesday night, but Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson is still picking City as Premier League title favourites.
Juan Mata fired Jose Mourinho and United into the quarter finals of the EFL Cup at Old Trafford, but Pep Guardiola seemed unconcerned by the result as he looks to arrest a run of six games without a win.
City remain top of the Premier League, while United lie seventh after a mixed set of performances.
Ferguson has not ruled his former side out of the running, should they regain some consistency, but he is installing City as the leaders of a group of five.
He told German magazine Kicker: "I think there's five potential candidates: Manchester City as favourites, Tottenham and Liverpool, but also Man United are still there if we get some consistency soon. Even when you are trailing by six, eight points, it's still possible to catch one or two teams.
"The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho makes for an exciting competition. And you shouldn't forget Arsenal. The team is more sturdy. They've got better and more aggressive. I'm impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi."
However, the Scot was quick to point to Mourinho's record on the European stage as two of the game's most successful managers go head to head in Manchester.
He added: "Guardiola's skills are beyond debate, Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola -- he's won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries."