Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes that criticism from derby rival Sir Alex Ferguson shows his side are becoming a concern to the Manchester United boss.
Hughes’ outfit lost a dramatic game 4-3 at United on Sunday as they were defeated for the first time this season.
United boss Ferguson had been critical of the way City were behaving in the build-up, but former United forwrd Hughes believes that shows his former boss sees City as a threat.
“I don’t think we made as much noise as is being made out. A noisy neighbour? Well in terms of noise our fans made then you could possibly say that,” said Hughes in the Daily Mirror.
“They know after the character that we showed at Old Trafford, Manchester City are not going to go away.
“I think people are beginning to realise we will have a say in what will happen this season.
“Maybe Sir Alex has attacked teams when they emerge as rivals, and if that is the perception of his agenda, then yes, we are comfortable with that.
“They know we are here to stay, they know we will have an influence on who wins the Premier League in years to come.
Hughes added: “We might not be in a position to win the league or even get in the top four for a number of seasons, but we will stop other teams from doing it.
“Maybe people doubted we can have a say at the top, maybe they doubted us before the events of the last 10 days, but we came out of the game with a lot of credit.”
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