Fergie: 'Stupid' City should regret poster

Sir Alex Ferguson still believes last season's 'Welcome to Manchester' poster used by City to promote the signing of Carlos Tevez was "stupid".

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has raised the stakes ahead of Wednesday night's Premier League derby at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Even 16 months after City's infamous advertising splash, which marked Tevez's move from Old Trafford to Eastlands, Ferguson is still irked by its impact ahead of what promises to be a fiery midweek clash.

The United boss described City, who have emerged as a renewed threat courtesy of owner Sheikh Mansour's millions, as 'noisy neighbours' following their marketing campaign.

And Ferguson has again been unable to allow the issue to pass ahead of Wednesday's showdown, suggesting that some City supporters will be 'embarrassed' by the poster.

"I don't know how it was created, probably some advertising gimmick at City. But I don't think they can be proud of it," he said. "I said it was stupid at the time. They probably think that now.

"I don't see how they thought it would get more points off us when it came to playing on a football pitch.

"Maybe it was worthwhile for some of the supporters but I think a lot of them were embarrassed. They would rather see that trophy being paraded through the city before they start screaming from the rooftops."

But no matter what pressure Ferguson finds himself under at Eastlands in the Premier League, there is nowhere he would prefer to be.

"Derby games are fantastic," said the 68-year-old. "What would you rather be doing, managing a game between City and United or Carlisle against Crewe?

"They are the ends of the spectrum. Derby games can divide husband and wife. You are involved in a game of emotions."

City have already lost their first hope of silverware this term after defeat in a Carling Cup tie at West Brom, while three defeats in the Premier League leave them with plenty of ground to make up on Chelsea.

And amid the heightened intensity of Wednesday night's showdown, Ferguson insists he will not lose sight of the real barrier to United's hopes of glory this term. It is stationed at Stamford Bridge.

"If you don't recognise who won the league last season, then you are very foolish," he said. "We have to chase Chelsea. That is our challenge.

"It is not easy winning our league and they are a very formidable and experienced side."