Wayne Rooney nonchalantly delivered a dig in City’s direction this week, claiming that despite the money they had, he would start worrying about them when they stopped lingering around the middle of the table. Well it’s happened, City certainly aren’t a mid-table team any more. They are 14th, above 15th placed West Ham on goal difference.

Mark Hughes reckons his side always provide United with a test, even if they are miles behind us with their development.

“The focus on us is a little bit unfair as we are very early in our progression,” said Hughes. “You look at United, they have had huge investment for 20-odd years. We’ve had it for about 10 hours. They are a world power – we are nowhere near them at this moment. There is a huge difference. However, it is probably seen as a bigger derby than ever because of our circumstances. But make no bones about it, we are going in the right direction.”

The problem for Hughes is that this time last season, City had accumulated 30 points, some 13 more than they are currently on. I can’t imagine the owners would think the blues are heading in the right direction at all, sitting two points away from the relegation zone.

“This is one of the great derbies and they know City will always give them a big test,” Hughes added. “While you cannot legislate for individual brilliance, what you can do is make it difficult for them.”

Well, City provided somewhat of a test for our ten players, although even then didn’t test our keeper, but with eleven men on the park, you would not have even known the likes of Robinho and Steven Ireland were on the park. Test? Don’t kid yourself Sparky, your lot were piss easy today.

Can we play you every week?