Ferguson’s early test of City limits

IT WON’T be a “normal” Community Shield.

Alex Ferguson’s summation of tomorrow’s season-opener between Manchester United and Manchester City was succinct, under-stated and poignant; but it also hinted at a growing anxiety that his pesky, noisy neighbours are about to become a whole lot more troublesome.

Until now, Ferguson has largely dismissed City’s challenge — funded by Arab owner Sheikh Mansour who has already spent in excess of £1bn (€1.1bn) — as something of a sideshow.