Giggs doubts City threat

Watch Manchester United take on their local rivals, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, from 1.15pm on Sunday.

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 28th November 2008

Giggs doubts City threat

Giggs: not conviced by City's big bucks

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Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has raised his doubts over the credentials of their cross-town rivals ahead of Sunday's derby, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, from 1.15pm.

Giggs has now spent more than two decades at Manchester United, in which time he has seen Manchester City fall as low as the old Division 2 and record three relegations and promotions.

But with deep pocketed Abu Dhabi tycoons now running club affairs, many fans have high hopes for the future of Manchester City - hype that Giggs is somewhat sceptical of.

"With the money they are talking about, you think about City bringing in the best players in the world," the Welshman reflected.

"But I don't know whether the rivalry will develop into one between sides who win the biggest trophies because those players still need to gel.

"I know Chelsea did it but they were already a top-three team. City are not top six really.

"If they are going to challenge the big four I would imagine it will take a bit of time."

Just a player

The Abu Dhabi United Group had not even gained full control of the club by the end of the summer's transfer window and yet still managed to deliver Brazilian star Robinho as well as making a reported bid for Dimitar Berbatov.

It is intent like this that has excited the Man City faithful, even though Giggs is keen to stress that the club have only secured one true superstar to supplement a squad that still bears signs of a less ambitious past.

"With one player you don't take that much notice," remarked Giggs.

"Even though Robinho is a class act he is still just a player."

"Obviously, it will be interesting next summer when they are maybe bringing in seven or eight. Depending on who they are, you might notice it a little bit more."

Bragging rights

However, the wing wizard may not even be playing this time next year as he prepares to celebrate his 35th birthday on Saturday.

Regardless of this milestone, the ten-time league champion will undoubtedly be hoping that the real birthday treat comes in the derby the following day.

"You are still aware the fans want bragging rights on Monday but you also want to win as players because, as we experienced last year, it takes a bit of time to get over losing a derby," he admitted.

"If you don't get the right result you tend to stay in your house, just so the supporters don't have a chance to give you some stick."

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