Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes
neighbours Manchester United are wary of the progress the club are
making.
Cash-rich City have been the biggest spenders in
the Premier League so far this summer with big-money moves for
Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.
More are expected to follow with Carlos Tevez and Samuel Eto'o
both on Hughes' radar and the former United star wants his side to
challenge Sir Alex Ferguson's men for all the honours on offer.
"United are taking our situation more seriously in terms of what
we can do - and it's not just them realising that," said
Hughes.
"Bizarrely, what is happening here can help United through us
being capable of taking points off other top-four clubs - but we
want to take points off United, too. When Sir Alex Ferguson talks
about Liverpool being United's main rivals, it's because of the
great success the two clubs have had.
"The rivalry is there because of what they have both achieved.
Our rivalry with United is more of a local nature but I want to get
back to the days when we are -challenging for the same trophies. I
want to win any trophy because that would be a sign of
progress.
"For instance, to win the Carling Cup would be great for us. I
can remember what winning that meant to United three years ago.
They beat Wigan in the final and it was the first thing they had
won for a couple of years. It's about putting silverware on the
sideboard. And I know our fans want to see us have a cup run.
"I would love to take Manchester City to a final - that is one
of my aims."
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