Mancini claims Manchester United will win the Barclays Premier League because they hold all the aces - a five-point lead with five games remaining and a squad superior in experience and mentality.

The Italian also insists he is not playing mind games with United, merely stating facts.

Mancini first proclaimed the race as over on Wednesday - in the immediate aftermath of a victory over West Brom which cut the deficit - and he is now expressing the sentiment even stronger.

He said: "They can't have pressure, United. It is impossible.

"I think they will just win the title, they don't have pressure.

"For this [their experience], and because they have five points, it is correct that they think this championship is finished.

"Five points are too much with five games to go."

Nobody at United has expressed belief the title is wrapped up, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson making clear his feeling the race is still on.

United assistant boss Rene Meulensteen has, however, been quoted by a Dutch magazine suggesting United are a more balanced team with better spirit.

Rather than defending his squad, Mancini claims Meulensteen's remarks back up his assertion that United are stronger.

He said: "I agree with him. This is why I say we can't win.

"They have big experience and a fantastic team. They have everything, we have nothing.

"But I am proud of my players for everything, including our mistakes.

"We are not on the moon. We are normal, like all normal people we can make mistakes."

On United, he said: "I think they are a perfect team with a fantastic spirit.

"They are not a team like us that has only players that think for themselves.

"For this reason, and because they have five points more - we don't have their spirit."

Mancini was speaking at a regular press conference to preview tomorrow's game at Norwich.

When asked if he was speaking ironically, Mancini said firmly, "no", and he was also vague when it was put to him he might be telling players differently in private.

He said: "When I speak with my players, I speak about other things.

"I can't speak the same things with you I speak with my players."

Despite that, Mancini did say his team will not give up and goalkeeper Joe Hart is certainly not yet ready to accept the race is over, whatever the manager says.

Hart said: "That's never the case. He can say it however he wants.

"Our underlying feeling is that we need to win. Our supporters pay a lot of money to come and see us and we owe them results.

"There are still games to play, we've still got to play them.

"The season is alive. Even if, god forbid, we were already out of it we would still be fighting.

"We're proud, we've achieved a lot this season and there was no way we just let all that go."

Hart believes the return of controversial striker Carlos Tevez to the team has been timely.

Tevez marked his first start since September with his first goal in 11 months in the 4-0 midweek win over West Brom at the Etihad Stadium.

The Argentinian had appeared as a substitute in the previous four games and his match fitness continues to improve.

Hart, 24, said: "We have some quality forwards here and it feels like one in one out with Carlos coming in and Mario (Balotelli) suspended.

"It's great to have him. The one thing about Carlos - you can say what you want about him - but if you play him you know what you are going to get.

"You don't get any attitude. On the field he's going to give you all he's got, try to score goals and it's lucky we've got someone like that."