Let the mind games begin! Fergie sticks boot into rivals City and insists they are the ones who are 'desperate' after bringing back Tevez

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched an amazing attack on Manchester City and warned them he has 'plenty of ammunition' if they want to engage in mind games.

Earlier this week, former Blues midfielder Patrick Vieira said the decision to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement smacked of desperation.

However, United have won nine Premier League games and drawn one with Scholes in the team, suggesting the move has worked.

On the attack: Sir Alex Ferguson watches on during training on Friday

On the attack: Sir Alex Ferguson watches on during training on Friday

It certainly has provided Ferguson with the opportunity to hit back in a week when Carlos Tevez has made his controversial return to the Manchester City fold.

'If it's desperation bringing the best midfielder in Britain back for the last 20 years then I think we can accept that,' said Ferguson.

'I think he (Vieira) was programmed for that. Roberto had a wee dig a couple of weeks back. We're all going to play our hand that way. There will be plenty of ammunition for that.

'If you talk about desperation, they played a player the other night who refused to go on the pitch, the manager said he'd never play again and he takes a five-month holiday in Argentina. What is that? Could that come under the description of desperation?'

Ferguson also rejected Vieira's assertion that a further sign of United struggling was their inability to keep hold of Ravel Morrison during the January transfer window and their on-going battle to retain Paul Pogba.

'The point he made about Ravel Morrison and losing our young players - we wanted to sell him (Morrison) let's be clear about that, for obvious reasons.

'But we want Pogba to stay because we think he's going to be a fantastic Manchester United player and hopefully that's the case.'

You're having a laugh? Paul Scholes sees the funny side at Carrington

You're having a laugh? Paul Scholes sees the funny side at Carrington

It was the kind of riposte Ferguson has turned into an art form down the years and was delivered with the kind of mischievous smile that suggested a pre-planned attack.

Pogba has been likened to Vieira many times since his move from Le Havre and the mere fact he is set to be in Ferguson's squad on Monday is an indication previous reports of a deal with Juventus already being agreed are wide of the mark.

However, it was on Scholes that Vieira's attack was chiefly centred.

It is difficult to criticise the move given United are now one point ahead of City in the title race.

'Paul can dictate the tempo and rhythm of our game very well,' said Ferguson.

'He has the experience which helps him do that and a terrific football brain.

'He wanted to retire because he wanted to play 50 games, not 25. He didn't think that was enough.

'Maybe he felt that was me not giving him enough appreciation but what I was trying to do was look at it in a sensible way and think what do you get out of a 37-year-old? How many games can you get out of him?

'There will be games where we maybe leave him out, but we also know the games he can play in.'

It has already been suggested Scholes could be asked to come out of international retirement and play for England at Euro 2012, or failing that, the Great Britain Olympic team.

You've been warned! Patrice Evra
You've been warned! Wayne Rooney

You've been warned: Patrice Evra (left) and Wayne Rooney make their point during Friday's session

Both scenarios would indicate Scholes will extend his career by another year, although Ferguson insists that is yet to be decided.

'I've not approached that subject at all,' he said.

Ferguson confirmed he expects to have a strong squad available after Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Fabio, Tom Cleverley and Pogba all came through a reserve-team outing against Aston Villa on Thursday night.

'Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have been in and out in particular in terms of illness and injuries over the last couple of months,' said Ferguson.

'Tom Cleverley, Paul Pogba and Fabio all had a game. We took Paul off purely because he will be involved on Monday.

'It puts us in a position where we have quite a strong squad now. We are only waiting on Nani and Michael Owen. We expect both of them to restart training next week.'

United may be back in second spot by the time they face Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday, although victory will ensure they regain the leadership.

'Every game is must-win now," said Ferguson. 'That is no issue for me. I have been used to that for years. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.'

Ferguson has also hailed Jonny Evans' contribution to the United cause this season.

Back in favour: Carlos Tevez finally made his return for City against Chelsea

Back in favour: Carlos Tevez finally made his return for City against Chelsea

The Northern Ireland international has featured more often in central defence for United than any other player in this injury-ravaged campaign.

The 24-year-old even managed to score his first goal for the club in their five-goal hammering of Wolves at the weekend.

With Jones and Smalling available for Monday's Premier League encounter with Fulham at Old Trafford, Evans is facing renewed pressure for his first-team spot.

However, Ferguson seems certain to stick with Evans, whose ability helped make up United's mind to sell Gerard Pique to Barcelona in 2008.

'He's playing regularly and I think that helps,' said Ferguson. 'He is still a young player of course and when they get runs of games it helps with their consistency. His partnership with Rio has been very good.'

In fact, after Nemanja Vidic was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury, Ferguson believes Ferdinand has been a major influence on Evans.

'A lot of it has to do with Rio actually because he's really helped Jonny,' said Ferguson. Jonny's always had terrific ability and it's good to see he's in consistent form.'