Patrick Vieira the former Arsenal midfielder and now Manchester City Executive has said that he believes Manchester Untied along with bigger clubs get preferential treatment from referees. He made the comments after a stone wall penalty was not given to Fulham in their tie at old Trafford.

“When United play at home they get some advantage that other teams don’t get,” Vieira told BBC Sport.

The went on: “I think when you go to United, Madrid, Barcelona, or Milan, when the referees referee these kind of games, it’s always difficult to go against these kind of teams. This is the way it is.

“It’s something the teams who are used to winning get all the time, so we need to win games so we have this advantage in the future.”

This is our moment.

“Since the start of the season we’ve been the best team and played the best football. I believe the club deserves it.”

Vieira claimed he has not seen the Fulham incident but has only heard about it. He also said Manchester United have the advantage now as they are three points ahead in first place.

Vieira was quick to criticise Ferguson for bringing Paul Scholes to Manchester United but now with Tevez back at Manchester City he was asked the same thing:  “We’re glad Carlos is back. The quality of these kind of players will be really important at this stage of the season.”

“The issue was between him and the club. The players were really pleased to see him back”, “It’s important not to lose focus, so many things can happen.

“People try to build this fire between the clubs. The heat is going to get more and more.”