Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand can't say if Manchester
City will soon be challenging them for honours.
"I don't know if the derby is progressing as a fixture," he
said. "It is weird really. City have had a lot of money pumped into
them by their current investors but I couldn't care less what
happens to them.
"As long as we are above City I won't be too bothered about
looking over my shoulder. I am just hopeful we can go out there and
produce the goods tomorrow."
It is difficult to see City emerging as title contenders next
season given they have failed to pressurise the top four this
term.
Yet Ferdinand does feel the finance available to Hughes is bound
to have an impact eventually.
"If more money is invested in the squad I am sure they will
become more successful, start vying for the cup competitions and
get higher in the league. Then the rivalry will become even more
passionate.
"Being around each other in the league would add to the fire.
You can see that now with Liverpool.
"The rivalry with them has increased over the last few months
because we are both going for the title."