Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has accused some of Manchester United's rivals of going on a "kamikaze" spending spree.

His comments came on the day Manchester City said they expected to complete a deal to sign England midfielder James Milner from Aston Villa.

And though Ferguson did not identify any club by name, City are set to spend around £125m this summer, way in excess of any other Premier League side.

"It's amazing the amount of money that is being bandied about," said Ferguson.

There has also been criticism of the wage levels of some footballers, with one new City arrival, the Ivorian Yaya Toure, believed to be earning in excess of £200,000 a week.<

606: DEBATE Anyone seen the new picture of Bebe, with his new hair cut. He looks like a unit and pretty scary. I would not like to be marking him in a game Sir Paul Scholes

Ferguson, however, has built a squad with a mix of long-serving veterans such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes as well as younger talents including summer signings Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and Bebe.

The 68-year-old, whose record purchase for United was the £30.75m they paid Tottenham for Dimitar Berbatov in September 2008, believes a more prudent approach can still match the big spending of other clubs.

"Over the last two or three years we have seen very wealthy owners become part of football clubs and therefore go on this kamikaze effort to spend their money," he added.

"Some people may think it could be dangerous, and I don't see it abating. The kind of spending we are seeing at the moment will be here for two or three years, until such time as they understand you can't necessarily achieve all the time by spending."

And Ferguson, who was linked with German World Cup star Mesut Ozil prior to the 21-year-old's move to Real Madrid, views investment in younger players as being of far more benefit in the long term.

"Young players develop if you are looking after them properly," he stated.

"They do have a loyalty because they appreciate the education you give them as coaches. How we treat players is important.

"It is difficult to know what other clubs think. We are just the type of club who can do it."

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