Despite dropping just two points in their opening seven Premier League games, finding the net on an incredible 24 occasions, Manchester United headed into the current international break boasting a single goal advantage over City, who have also drawn just once.
"I've said all along that would happen," Ferguson told Inside United. "They are a good team and they were always going to be there or thereabouts."
He added: "Sergio Aguero was bound to do well, coming into the Premier League, because he is such a goal threat around the penalty box. David Silva is also a very good player.
"We just have to make sure we are ready for City when we meet them."
City's flying start has has certainly heightened anticipation for the first derby clash of the season, at Old Trafford on October 23.
Previously, Ferguson has cheekily suggested Liverpool were United's true derby rivals but Sheikh Mansour's £1billion investment in City has changed all that, with the plethora of stars working under the guidance of Roberto Mancini bringing an extra dimension to the fixture.
"All derbies are big now, that is the nature of the landscape," said Ferguson.
"The impetus City now have - they have a huge squad of players and the financial power to attract some of the best footballers in the world - actually changes the focus of the derby these days.
"The talking point isn't so much the actual game but the dynamics of how Manchester City have changed football and what we do to compete with that."
Source: PA
Source: PA