City can emulate Chelsea - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted there is no reason why Manchester City could not follow Chelsea's lead and become a major Barclays Premier League force.

New City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has already splashed out £40million on eight new players after being placed in charge by new owner Thaksin Shinawatra, with the promise of more to come ahead of the August 31 transfer deadline.

"In the long term, as Chelsea have proved, if you have enough money and buy the right players, you can do it," said Ferguson.

City's response to the summer arrivals has been instant, with successive victories over West Ham and Derby putting the Blues in confident mood ahead of Sunday's Eastlands clash with local rivals United.

For almost Ferguson's entire 21-year reign as Old Trafford boss, United have dominated City.

But, while the Scot does not believe the Blues will be pushing for a top-four berth this term, he accepts Shinawatra's vast wealth could make them big players in the future.

"Maybe this is just the start," Ferguson added. "Apparently this guy has so much money, so who knows what is ahead. He might end up bringing in some higher profile, big international stars."