Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Manchester City as "that mob".

Fergie made the call when discussing their rivalry with Liverpool.

When they kick off at Old Trafford, United will stand 21 points clear of their opponents.

And Ferguson's response to that fact gives the most telling insight into how far Liverpool have fallen.

"I never even thought about that until it was mentioned on TV," he says, appearing unconcerned. "I don't really look at that."

And then, almost mid-sentence, his tone and stance changed, like an animal suddenly alerted to a nearby predator.

"I look at that mob that's behind us, don't worry. I look at my immediate opponents all the time. I look at their programme, who they've got next, who we've got next. I do that all the time."