Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to trump Manchester City for Sunderland winger Jordan Henderson.

The Guardian says Ferguson has been monitoring Henderson closely ever since the Sunderland-born player came on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last season, three months after turning 19, and impressed United's manager with his fearlessness and desire to get on the ball.

Ferguson is hoping the lure of Old Trafford will work in his favour but the dynamics have changed now City are under the ownership of the Abu Dhabi United Group and, in a straight contest between the two clubs, the United manager is acutely aware that his club are not in a position to compete with City financially.