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Cape Town — Marouane Fellaini feels the Premier League is getting stronger each year and that Manchester United are keeping pace with rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils ended last season in second place behind league winners City, but by a massive 19 points.
This season Jose Mourinho’s charges are currently in eighth place on 20 points after 12 games, some 12 points behind leaders City.

City also defeated United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium before the international break but Fellaini told Sky Sports that he feels the gap between the sides is smaller than it initially appears.

He said: “I remember when I arrived in England it was a top four, now it is a top six, so every year it is more difficult.

“Next season we will see how it changes and in two and three years I think every year it is more difficult, the intensity is higher, so that’s why the Premier League is attractive.

“Manchester City are strong, but I think they will lose. Okay, they are very good, and they have good players but it’s possible to beat them. We lost, but we have the second game at Old Trafford and we will see.”

He added: “They are very confident, all of them, they play good football, they play attacking football and they have a good dynamic.”

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Pellegrini’s agent yesterday dismissed speculation that the Italian international midfielder was set for a move from Roma to Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho’s United were reported to be preparing a January swoop for the 22-year-old, who has a €30 million release clause.

“I’m sorry that rumours have spread about financial aspects relating to him and his teammates, that for Lorenzo have never been important,” Giampiero Pocetta told Corriere dello Sport.

“He doesn’t live for meetings, especially financial ones.”

United directors reportedly met Pocetta in London on Saturday and made a sizeable offer.

“Pellegrini is only thinking about improving with, and for, Roma,” insisted Pocetta.

“He’s getting what he deserves on the pitch, and the rumours about the transfer market have never distracted him nor disturbed him.

“These issues don’t count for now, it’s normal that Pellegrini is liked. Lorenzo is happy though, he’s already chosen Roma once.

“Then, when it’s time, we’ll sit down with (Roma sporting director) Monchi again.”

Roma are top of their Champions League group ahead of Real Madrid, but are just sixth in Serie A, 15 points behind leaders Juventus.

Pellegrini rose through Roma’s youth ranks and made one senior appearance before being sold to Sassuolo.

The capital side exercised a buy-back option in 2017 and the player is under contract until 2022.

He has nine caps for Italy following his debut last year— Sport24-AFP.