Fergie questions City’s resilience

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes neighbours City may be affected by the scheduling of TV fixtures during the Barclays Premier League title run–in.

Once again, United go second this weekend, with their trip to Tottenham coming on Sunday – 24 hours after City entertain relegation–threatened Bolton.

Next weekend both sides have Sunday fixtures and the weekend after City are not due to be in action until Monday, when they entertain Chelsea, although that match might be pushed back further due to the FA Cup.

It is the kind of scheduling Ferguson has been dealing with for over two decades, but is totally new for City and their manager Roberto Mancini.

"It doesn't make a difference to us – but it may make a difference to them as they don't have the same kind of experience," Ferguson said. "You never know."

United look certain to be without Chris Smalling for the White Hart Lane trip after the defender was taken to hospital on Wednesday night after a horrendous clash in Holland's 3–2 friendly win over England at Wembley.

It is anticipated that key striker Wayne Rooney will return from a throat infection, though.