Sir Alex Ferguson expects Manchester City to spend big again in this summer's transfer window.
The United manager is already focusing on the market ahead of next season following a dramatic final day of the 2011/12 campaign, where his local rivals snatched their first league title in 44 years courtesy of a goal from Sergio Aguero, one of their big-money purchases from 2011.
Acknowledging City's spending power, Ferguson told MUTV he would stick to his tried-and-trusted methods when it came to buying new players.
"We know City are going to spend fortunes, pay stupid money and silly salaries. We know that happens. We can't do anything about that.
"We are not like other clubs who can spend fortunes on proven goods. We invest in players who will be with the club for a long time, who will create the character of the club and the excitement for our fans
"We are good at that and we are going to continue that way."
United Chief Executive David Gill has declared that he will back his manager in the transfer market but is well aware of UEFA's Financial Fair Play plans.
"Funds are available without a doubt," Gill said.
"We can still pay very well in terms of wages and transfer fees. Clearly City have raised the bar again. We have seen that with what they are prepared to pay for players and to them.
"But we need to move on. Financial Fair Play is just around the corner.
"It is a flagship programme for Michel Platini and how that is implemented and the sanctions that are imposed are going to be interesting."