Hughes - Huge gap with United

Hughes says cash injection does not mean instant parity

By Ashley Marshall   Last updated: 29th November 2008

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes his side are still a long way behind derby rivals Manchester United despite their increased financial muscle.

The former United fan favourite insists that while the blue half of Manchester is moving in the right direction, it will take a lot more time and money to emulate the success of their cross-city neighbours.

Hughes says it is difficult to compete with the ample resources available at Old Trafford and he admits there is still a "huge difference" between the two sides.

Hughes knows he can compete with the best when the transfer window reopens in January following the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in the summer.

However, the former Blackburn boss feels the pressure on the club to get instant success because of their deep well of new money is over the top.

Investment

He said: "The focus on us is a little bit unfair as we are very early in our progression. You look at United, they have had huge investment for 20-odd years. We've had it for about 10 hours.

"They are a world power - we are nowhere near them at this moment. There is a huge difference.

"However, it is probably seen as a bigger derby than ever because of our circumstances. But make no bones about it, we are going in the right direction."

City go into the game in upbeat mood following back-to-back victories against Arsenal in the Premier League and Schalke in the Uefa Cup.

Optimistic

Former United striker Hughes said: "We could not be in better shape against a very strong team. We are looking forward to it as we have had a great week.

"We know we are capable of playing good football but we have compromised ourselves with individual and collective errors.

"What we need is a consistent level of performance - we are still a work in progress."

City managed to complete a league double last season when United went on to claim the Champions League and retain their Premier League title.

"Those two defeats by City were probably their only blot in the last campaign and will want to put that right," said Hughes, who enjoyed success against Sir Alex Ferguson's side during his time at Blackburn.

"Because of the confidence of being champions of Europe and the Premier League, they expect to win rather than hope to win.

"This is one of the great derbies and they know City will always give them a big test. While you cannot legislate for individual brilliance, what you can do is make it difficult for them."