Sir Alex Ferguson's dispute with Ramon Calderon, the Real Madrid president, continues to escalate as the Manchester United manager responded to the latest insult to come from Spain.

Calderon labelled Ferguson as "senile" after the United manager referred to Real's historic links with former Spanish dictator General Franco.

Relations between the two biggest football clubs in the world have been strained in the wake of Real's summer pursuit of United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Ferguson claimed he did not want to become embroiled in a war of words with his bitter rival on Friday, he could not resist a short, sharp response. "He [Calderon] has a few strange things to say every week," Ferguson said.

"There is a lot of hot air comes out of that man and I'm not going to get involved in it.

"I think he is very disappointed not to get Ronaldo and I'm delighted to say he is still here. I'll keep saying that."

Ferguson had kinder words for another international football figure as he responded to reports that Diego Maradona is expected in Manchester - possibly as early as Saturday when United take on Hull City - to check on the form of Carlos Tevez, the United forward.

Maradona, who will be named as Argentina's national team coach over the next few days, is eager to check on Tevez's form at the first available opportunity and he is assured a warm welcome from Ferguson.

"We have had no application for the game from the Argentine FA and Carlos hasn't heard anything," Ferguson said.

“But I think he will be an inspirational figure to the team. He is bringing in [Carlos] Bilardo as his assistant and the experience of Bilardo will be good for Maradona.

"Listening to Tevez talk, all the players are delighted. Carlos is over the moon that Maradona is on board so it can work."