Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand can't say if Manchester City will soon be challenging them for honours.
"I don't know if the derby is progressing as a fixture," he said. "It is weird really. City have had a lot of money pumped into them by their current investors but I couldn't care less what happens to them.
"As long as we are above City I won't be too bothered about looking over my shoulder. I am just hopeful we can go out there and produce the goods tomorrow."
It is difficult to see City emerging as title contenders next season given they have failed to pressurise the top four this term.
Yet Ferdinand does feel the finance available to Hughes is bound to have an impact eventually.
"If more money is invested in the squad I am sure they will become more successful, start vying for the cup competitions and get higher in the league. Then the rivalry will become even more passionate.
"Being around each other in the league would add to the fire. You can see that now with Liverpool.
"The rivalry with them has increased over the last few months because we are both going for the title."