Manchester United defender Gary Neville has launched a thinly-veiled attack on Manchester City, saying he even prefers arch-rivals Liverpool to the Premier League's nouveau riche club.

GettyImagesGary Neville shows his dislike for Carlos Tevez

Neville, who has a long and well documented history of clashes with Liverpool fans and players, provoked the fury of City supporters last season by criticising Carlos Tevez and celebrating wildly in front of the visiting fans after a derby win at Old Trafford.

City have spent in the region of £350 million on new players since the arrival of owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan in September 2008, but Neville prefers a club with history, even if it's Liverpool.

"I have more respect for them [Liverpool] as a club, in a sense of their tradition and their history, than I would do some of the other clubs that have been coming on the scene in the last few years, throwing a load of money at it," Neville told MUTV.

"They have a good history - you have to hand it to them for that. They have been successful."

However, Neville admitted he would be overjoyed if United could secure a 19th league title this season with the club currently tied with Liverpool for the record.

Neville said: "To beat Liverpool would be fantastic. It would be massive for this club. We want to be the most successful club."