London, Jan. 23 (ANI): In a sly dig at Manchester City, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested the Blues may not have the mental strength to handle next week’s Carling Cup tie.

Fergie claimed that Manchester United will be better prepared for the return clash because they are more used to playing big games.

The spat between Carlos Tevez and Gary Neville has led to the FA contacting both clubs to remind their players of their responsibilities and a duty to behave.

But Fergie hinted that City might not be able to handle the pressure by claiming United have more experience of handling such occasions.

“We’re used to big games. I’m not interested in Tevez. He’s not our player any more, so I’ve nothing to say about it. Players argue with each other and they have a go at each other time and time again. But it’s not an issue for us,” Mirror.co.uk quoted Fergie, as saying.

Fergie hid behind Arsene Wenger’s infamous excuse when asked to comment on Neville’s conduct in giving Tevez the finger after the City striker’s first goal in the 2-1 win

“What conduct? I didn’t see that at all,” Fergie said, in reference to Neville’s crude middle-finger gesture.

United’s exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Leeds means their Old Trafford clash with Hull is the Premier League’s only game this weekend.

Fergie’s men can go top with victory and the United boss said he was prepared for a three-way tussle for the title following Arsenal’s revival.

“A few weeks ago Arsenal were written off, but that’s nature of this league this season. But Arsenal’s consistency in the past few weeks has made it a three-way fight at the top,” said Fergie.

“If you can go on a consistent run you’ll have a great chance this season, because people are dropping points everywhere,” he added. (ANI)