Tevez price was too high - Ferguson

Tevez joined cash-rich neighbours City from United last week, ending an acrimonious parting with his former Old Trafford boss, who the Argentina star accused of not treating him with respect.

And, while many United fans are still unhappy at Tevez's loss, in the brutal final analysis, Ferguson said: "I didn't think he was worth £25m - that's just my judgment, maybe I am wrong."

He added: "The fans quite rightly have their heroes and I respect them, so I was happy to go along with a deal as long as it was the right one - but he was simply not worth £25m."

Ferguson did attempt to keep Tevez but only after trying to knock down a price that had previously been agreed with the player's long-time advisor Kia Joorabchian.

Instead, Tevez has joined a massively expanded City squad that has now welcomed Emmanuel Adebayor into its fold, with the prospect of more to come.

The Blues have come under fire for their attempt to lure Chelsea skipper John Terry to Eastlands although, in the same position, Ferguson might well have done the same.

"If I was in City's shoes, with all that kind of money, then I would have a go at that," he said.

"I think it's sensible. He has experience and is the England captain. For some reason they must have known that he was interested.

"I am sure there have been plenty of phone calls going on."