DT Exclusive: Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini debate which Manchester club is more desperate

As the season nears its end and Manchesters United and City remain in contention for the Premier League title, the mind games have intensified as the two sides debate which club is more desperate. "There will be plenty of ammunition," Sir Alex Ferguson warned at his Friday press conference. The following is a transcript of Ferguson and Roberto Mancini putting that ammo to use.

Mancini: Bringing Paul Scholes out of retirement was so desperate. What are you going to do when he breaks a hip?

Ferguson: You 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?'

Mancini: No. That comes under the description of: "You're stupid."

Ferguson: No, you are the one who is stupid.

Mancini: You can't even keep your young players. Ravel Morrison is gone and Paul Pogba is next. Maybe we'll sign him! Welcome to Manchester, Paul!

Ferguson: I'd rather have no young players than one Gareth Barry.

Mancini: Michael Carrick is a crap Gareth Barry!

Ferguson: Gareth Barry is a crap Gareth Barry!

Mancini: You couldn't keep Ronaldo.

Ferguson: You chose to acquire Owen Hargreaves.

Mancini: I've seen you kill a hobo!

Ferguson: It was a Thursday!

Mancini: Speaking of Thursdays, you couldn't even cut it in the Europa League.

Ferguson: And who are you playing in the next round? Mentalist Kha! rbulls** *?

Mancini: This is stupid.

Ferguson: You are the one who is stupid!

Mancini: You said that already.

Ferguson: Oh. You know, you're right, Roberto. We shouldn't be doing this. We're neighbors for Pete's sake.

Mancini: How about this -- you start a campaign telling Liverpool to bring back King Rafa and we'll keep buying all of Arsenal's players. Whoever wins the title, wins the title. Deal?

Ferguson: Deal. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to drink wine out of a milk bottle and make a totally not desperate phone call to Edwin van der Sar's house.

Mancini: And I have to refill my ulcer medication then make sure Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli aren't talking to each other.

Ferguson: Definitely not desperate.

Mancini: Definitely not.