United refocuses on title assault after City blip

A chastening home defeat to Manchester City has given Premier League leader Manchester United all the incentive it needs to win against Stoke City on Sunday and move closer to sealing a 20th English league title.

Champion City cut United's lead to 12 points after Monday's 2-1 win at Old Trafford, though with seven games remaining the Premier League trophy appears destined to be prised from its grasp by its neighbor.

City manager Roberto Mancini has already conceded the title to United but a fired-up Stoke, dragged into a relegation battle by a dismal run of form, will be desperate to take at least a point from Alex Ferguson's men.