Manchester City boss Mark Hughes insists they can challenge Manchester United for the title this season.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that, for all their summer spending, he could not see City being among his side's main competitors for the title.

But after watching Stephen Ireland's goal earn City a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the second match of their South African tour, Hughes said: "I have huge respect for him but that does not mean I have to agree with what he says."

He added: "I don't think this is a mind game."