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Fergie not shocked by City's fast start

Sir Alex Ferguson will lock horns with Roberto Mancini on October 23 © Getty Images

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been unsurprised by Manchester City's strong start to the 2011-12 Premier League campaign.

The two clubs are locked on 19 points at the top of the table, both sides having won six and drawn one of their opening seven matches of the season.

City finished in third last term, nine points behind champions United, but, with the likes of Sergio Aguero arriving in the summer, Ferguson anticipated a fiercer test from their rivals this time around.

"I've said all along that would happen," Ferguson told Inside United. "They are a good team and they were always going to be there or thereabouts.

"Sergio Aguero was bound to do well, coming into the Premier League, because he is such a goal threat around the penalty box. David Silva is also a very good player. We just have to make sure we are ready for City when we meet them."

United and City lock horns at Old Trafford on October 23, and Ferguson says the vast spending power at Roberto Mancini's disposal has shifted the way the derby is perceived.

"All derbies are big now, that is the nature of the landscape," Ferguson said. "The impetus City now have - they have a huge squad of players and the financial power to attract some of the best footballers in the world - actually changes the focus of the derby these days.

"The talking point isn't so much the actual game but the dynamics of how Manchester City have changed football and what we do to compete with that."

Ferguson also outlined his hopes that United will perform when they face rivals Liverpool at Anfield when the international break is over, having suffered a 3-1 defeat in the corresponding fixture last term.

"We have been poor there of late," Ferguson said. "On a couple of occasions we have been out-fought by them, which is disappointing. The atmosphere plays a part. Every time we go there it is as if it's the biggest game of the century."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.