Following their agonizing concession of the Premier League title, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has responded in in his familiar fiery manner.
Speaking on Monday, Ferguson made a less than subtle dig at City's willingness to "spend a fortune, pay stupid money, pay silly salaries," while also outlaying his summer transfer plans for United.
"We're not like other clubs who can spend fortunes on proven goods," he told MUTV, one again making pointed reference to City.
"We invest in players who will be with the club for a long time, who will create the character of the club, who will create excitement for our fans. We are very proud of that and we are going to continue that way. We're good at it. If you are good at it then stick with it."
The issue of the two clubs' ability to compete in the transfer market has arguably never been more prevalent. Not only have City just pipped United to the title, but the two are going head-to-head for the signing of one of Europe's most coveted young stars, Eden Hazard.
Last week the Lille attacking midfielder 's comments suggested that he was heading for City, but there now appears fresh hope for United.
Speaking after being named Ligue 1's Player of the Year, Hazard said: "I am going to Manchester. The decision will be taken soon," according to ESPN.
If Hazard does decide that blue is the color, then United at least appear to have an alternative firmly in place.
German publication Kicker reports on Tuesday that Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa has flown to Manchester to discuss his transfer, rumored to be for around £12 million.
Certainly there are strong signs that the deal will be going ahead, with Dortmund director of sport Michael Zorc stating that he has been informed through the player's representatives that the Japan international will definitely be leaving the German double winners.
With the Kagawa deal looking on, it may be that United has long since given up on the prospect of signing Hazard and the Belgian is merely using United as a bargaining tool to get a larger contract from City.
All should become clear in the coming days, with Ferguson eager to get his business completed early this summer.
United's hierarchy could get to know their counterparts in Dortmund closely in the coming days and weeks with the Red Devils also said to be strongly pursuing striker Robert Lewandowski.
As well as taking a closer look at Kagawa, it is believed that Ferguson was also checking out Lewandowski as he watched the DFB Pokal final on Saturday.
"I can confirm that the new contract offer of Borussia Dortmund is insufficient," said the Polish striker's agent, Maik Barthel, according to Metro. "I am also able to confirm an interest of Manchester United in the services of Robert Lewandowski,"
With Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen both looking likely to depart Old Trafford this summer, there is a strong chance that Ferguson will be looking for reinforcements in that area of the pitch.
It has also been speculated that United is interested in versatile forward Stevan Jovetic. The Montenegrin's representatives have reportedly been told that he will be allowed to leave Fiorentina this summer for around £15 million, according to Tribal Football.
The 22-year-old, who can play as an inside forward as well as a central striker has scored 14 goals in Serie A this season. Chelsea are also said to be interested.
With Ferguson's focus again to be on signing youth, another story that could have some legs is United's reported interest in Benfica's Rodrigo Moreno. The 21-year-old former Real Madrid forward is a target for United, as well as Arsenal and Real Madrid, according to O Jogo.
Rodrigo has been something of a revelation this season, scoring nine goals in 20 appearances--just nine of them starts--for the Lisbon giants.