Premier League title race heats up as Ferguson warns City of mind games

Fergusons outburst was provoked after Vieira claimed Scholess return from retirement in January was a sign of desperation.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Manchester Citys football development executive Patrick Vieiras comments on the return of Paul Scholes,saying if City wants to indulge in mind games,then he has plenty of ammunition for it.

Fergusons outburst was provoked after Vieira claimed Scholess return from retirement in January was a sign of desperation.

He disparaged City for calling back Carlos Tevez in the team,and questioned whether that was not a sign of desperation.

Story continues below this ad

If its desperation bringing back the best midfield player in Britain over the last 20 years,then I think we can accept that, The Telegraph quoted Ferguson,as saying.

If youre talking desperation,they were playing a player the other night who refused to go on the pitch and the manager says hell never play again. He then takes a five-month holiday in Argentina. What is that? Could that come under the description desperation? he added.

An unaffected Ferguson claimed Vieiras criticism of United was a purposeful attempt by City to undermine their rivals,and he minced no words in warning them that this would come to haunt them only in future.

I think he was programmed for that. I think Roberto Mancini also had a little dig a couple of weeks back. Were all going to play our hand that way,but Ive got plenty of ammunition for that. I think it happens. We can all play our hand at these kind of things,it doesnt bother me, Ferguson said.

Story continues below this ad

Youll always get that kind of thing to try to unnerve the team,if not the manager. Its normal. Its not a problem. But Ive got plenty of ammunition. Dont worry. They can try, he added.