Fergie rubbishes City threat and “absurd” Ronaldo bid

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the threat posed to Manchester United by newly-wealthy Manchester City and ridiculed their ambitions to sign Cristiano Ronaldo as “absurd.”

City have emerged as the world's richest club since being bought out by the Abu Dhabi United Group earlier this month and they flexed their financial muscle by landing Brazilian striker Robinho in a 32-million-pound (57 million dollars) deal with Real Madrid.

Blues boss Mark Hughes has suggested that the spending will go on and that the club are determined to break up the 'big four' stranglehold on the Premier League.

But United manager Ferguson insists that City still have much to prove before they can think about competing with United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

He said: “There's plenty of talk from them (City) right now, but the great thing about my time at this club is that there has always been a challenge for us.

“Four years ago when Jose (Mourinho) went to Chelsea, it represented a different challenge. Before that it was always Arsenal and us. Then Chelsea became the new kids on the block and won those first two championships.

“We accepted the challenge and got on with our business the best way we can and that is all we can do.

“But what you see of Manchester United today is not an overnight situation. This club has been built up over many years now. It is not going to be here for today — we'll be here for a long time no matter where the challenges come from — we'll still be there.

“Yes, we've bought big players, but I don't think you can see a cash cow from Manchester United in a way that could happen in other areas, the way that some clubs are talking at the moment.

“I disregard it really because it is all talk at the moment. We've seen it before and it will happen again.

“There has been a lot of talk. For instance, they spoke about trying to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, which is absolutely absurd.

“They will find it difficult to get the players that they want and that's the first thing you have to overcome. It's not easy nowadays.”

City manager Hughes, a former United striker, has claimed that Saturday's clash with Chelsea at Eastlands will overshadow United's trip to Liverpool — traditionally the biggest fixture on the Premier League calendar.

And Ferguson admits that Hughes may need to reassess his viewpoint — especially after playing in numerous United-Liverpool clashes.

Ferguson said: “I'm going to check what Mark had for breakfast! Something must have upset him.

“I said to (chief executive) David Gill today — check how many games he played for us against Liverpool will you? Give him a reality check! Liverpool v United is the biggest — it's a great game.”