Silva- Man U cha mtoto kwetu, tumewapiga kote

And after winning Monday’s mother of all Manchester derbies they aim to prove it by finishing them off in the title race.

Spanish playmaker Silva said: “We don’t need to think about United. We’ve passed that mental stage now.

“We are ready to win the title. We don’t concentrate on United. We concentrate on ourselves. We beat them there, we beat them here.

“Don’t get me wrong, United are a great team, a fantastic team. They’ve been winning titles for a long time but, as I say, we beat them there, we beat them here.” 

Even after the 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover, a barrier remained for City in the presence of Fergie’s United. 

Three late derby victories, most memorably when Michael Owen’s strike won the September 2009 classic 4-3, suggested City could not match their mental strength. 

City boss Roberto Mancini constantly went on about changing that.

Then came the FA Cup semi-final win last season and now the derby double this campaign, including that incredible 6-1 win at Old Trafford.

Silva, 26, said: “It’s an important moment for us psychologically as we knew we had to win.

“We did that and now it gives us the confidence we need for the last two games.”

The cry from the red half had been ‘City’s cracking up’ as their five-point lead disappeared. 

Yet in under three weeks, astonishingly United have surrendered an eight-point lead at the top to now trail City on goal difference. 

And Silva insists Mancini’s men always believed in the dream — even when some bookies were already paying out on United as Champions.

He said: “There was never a point when we totally gave up on the league but we did get to a point when we knew it was very difficult.”

Silva, too, hailed Mancini’s cunning in keeping his side in the chase. He said: “Perhaps Roberto has deflected the pressure from us by saying the title is over.

“It’s been a very, very long season, very tough. It’s very important that we finish the job now.”

City need to win at Newcastle on Sunday lunchtime and at home to QPR — bossed by former Etihad chief Mark Hughes — the following Sunday.

The trip to St James’ Park is to a ground where City last won a title 44 years ago. One hand is on the trophy, the other is poised...