Manchester's locals feel Manchester City's spending spree has unsettled Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rafael Cabrera, owner of Manchester's most loved Spanish restaurant El Rincon, witnesses it daily. Fans, staff and players from both clubs eat at his tables regularly.

Cabrera, a Stockport County player in the Sixties and Seventies, told the Daily Mail: "It has definitely changed and Sir Alex Ferguson has recognised that by what he has said. I think most people expected him to rise above the things that City have said and done.

"But he didn't and that surprised people. I think it sums up the new atmosphere. He had his say and now the fans have followed. They're on the attack now, too."

Former City wing half Fred Eyre - dining with Cabrera on Thursday, said: "Yes, that sums up why everybody is getting so worked up about the new season.

"For the first time in ages, the two clubs will be competitive and I'm not sure United fans really know how to take that. They've been used to patting City fans on their heads, allowing them the odd triumph on derby day or whatever.

"United fans have always known that City would never really threaten them in the long run and now it could be a little different.

"City loved it when Fergie reacted to the posters the way that he did. We all thought he would ignore it."