Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs insists big-spending Manchester City are no major threat. Giggs believes the disappointment of relinquishing the title and the emergence of young talent will inspire a stronger challenge next term. Although he anticipates increased competition for the four Champions League places, the 36-year-old thinks City have still to discover the consistency required to advance under Roberto Mancini.
"Until we play them I don't take any notice of what City are doing, like any other team really," said Giggs, who has extended his Old Trafford contract until the end of this coming season. "If they get a run together, if they get the consistency, they'll be a force, and no one knows if they're going to do that.
"It's a similar scenario to last season really. They've got so many talented players that, if they gel as a team, they'll be a force. If they don't then obviously it could be a frustrating season for them and they'll probably get a little bit of stick. But, if they gel as a team, like they proved in games last year, they can beat anyone."
Giggs also agreed that City's owners view a top?four finish as a minimum return for their investment.
"I think with the players they've acquired over the last two years, that is probably the case."
