Ferguson Accuses City Of Arrogance

FOOTBALL - Who will be the biggest team in Manchester this upcoming Premier League season? Not so long ago such a question would have been treated with a contemptuous response. But now, while the answer would still be 'Manchester United' to most rational thinkers, it is no more a straightforward case of dismissing City. And if City's statements of intent are anything to go by, we are betting there will be fireworks over the next season or so.

City have managed to get up Sir Alex Ferguson's nose by commissioning an advertising hoarding which has been placed in the Deansgate shopping area in central Manchester which says "Carlos Tevez, welcome to Manchester." Ferguson has responded by describing Manchester City as 'arrogant'. "Arrogance comes in lots of different ways."Ferguson said."I think it is daft."

While it might be amusing for Manchester United haters around Britain and the world, there is a serious element to this advert. It is Manchester City saying that with the Middle East oil money behind them, they will be content to be the best team in Manchester. Because if they are the best team in Manchester, they are likely to be one of the very best team's in Europe. So really, Manchester United and all connected with the club should take the advert as a compliment.

British bookmakers think there is some way to go before City can be regarded as genuine Premier League title contenders. Current betting has Manchester United as best-priced 9/4 favourites, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal coming in the betting before Manchester City who are available at 14/1. For the coming season at least, we would generally agree with those odds. But we do not think City will be 14/1 next year. Not once the Manchester City Project has kicked into top gear.

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