On Friday Liverpool's Rafael Benitez launched into a stinging attack on their arch-rivals in the north-west, alleging Ferguson does not get punished sufficiently for his sometimes outspoken criticism of match officials and also later taking a swipe at chief executive David Gill.

United responded by sweeping side title rivals Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday, less than 24 hours after league leaders Liverpool had stuttered to a goalless draw at Stoke.

And Bruce, a former player under Ferguson, said no-one gets the better of the United boss.

"It is fantastic radio and television. I found it humorous like everyone else," said the Wigan boss, who takes his side to Old Trafford tomorrow night.

"There is always a little bit of banter going about and the mind games have started.

"How do you take him on? You don't. I think that is the motto.

"He is fantastic at what he does and there will never be another. I can't pay him compliments high enough.

"How he has managed at that level for so long and what he has done is quite remarkable.

"He still has the hunger for the fight and that is there for everyone to see. You are born with that.

"A lot of people have tried to take him on but what people forget is he always has a very good team up his sleeve to back him up.

"The results tell you that. He is convinced he has got the best set of players."