MANCHECSTER UNITED CHIEF executive David Gill insists the club have funds to challenge for the title next season.

Alex Ferguson is keen to strengthen his side after missing out on the Premier League crown to Manchester City last weekend.

Ferguson has been linked with Borussia Dortmund duo Shinji Kagawa and Robert Lewandowski in recent days but he says he will spend wisely after claiming City “pay stupid money and silly salaries”.

Ferguson also has Eden Hazard on his radar after watching the Lille midfielder on several occasions although City are also ready to move for the £30 million-rated talent.

“We know City are going to spend fortunes, pay stupid money and silly salaries,” said the United manager. ”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.”

Meanwhile, City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has hinted the Blues may not spend as much as they have in recent close seasons. As well as Hazard, manager Roberto Mancini has been linked with a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

“We have a championship-winning team,” Khaldoon told City’s official website.  ”We are not starting from the same point as in other pre-seasons.

“We have had to improve in a very dramatic manner. Now we have a nucleus. To improve further we have to harness that nucleus,” he added.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean in YouTube rant at Sam Allardyce

The only thing better than this incredible 75-yard strike is the silly celebration afterward