Paul Scholes has stoked the fires ahead of the Manchester derby FA Cup semi-final by claiming City are not even one of United's main rivals.
United midfielder questions City's belief
Paul Scholes has stoked the fires ahead of the Manchester derby FA Cup semi-final by claiming City are not even one of United's main rivals.
The Red Devils lock horns with their neighbours at Wembley in one of the most eagerly-awaited FA Cup semi-finals of recent years.
City are aiming to take a step closer to ending their 35-year wait for major silverware, while United are looking to keep their Treble bid on course.
Scholes, who is a veteran of derby day after making his debut against City in 1994, claims he does not regard the blue half of Manchester as major rivals and he will not change his view until they win a major trophy.
"When they are fourth or fifth, I don't think they can be classed as a main rival," he said.
Rivals
"Our main rivals are obviously Arsenal and Chelsea. I think City are just a rival because of where they are (geographically). Liverpool is the same."
Scholes also questioned City's belief, feeling they do not have the same winning mentality as Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
"With them getting the money, it has probably helped us and spurred us on a bit more when we have played them," added Scholes.
"There has been nothing to choose between us in the last five or six games. They will obviously be p***** off that they have only managed to beat us once [under Sheikh Mansour's ownership] and that game was a Carling Cup semi-final first leg, with us having another game to make up for it.
"We have nicked the games with goals in the last minutes. I've done it, Michael Owen's done it and Wayne Rooney did it last season. That's maybe the difference between the two teams.
"We have a belief that we can beat anybody, but if City have that, I'm not too sure. But their spending is not our problem is it?"
Scholes is relishing the first Wembley Manchester derby and he is keen to avoid City winning any bragging rights.
Painful
"It is painful. I remember going to Maine Road and losing 3-1 and it's horrible," continued Scholes. "You hate losing against anybody, but City? But it just makes you more determined.
"I have family who are Blues and there are Reds everywhere too, so the desire to win is massive.
"It's an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. It's massive.
"It's the biggest game we've had against City for a while. "hoever loses will be devastated.
