Alan Pardew has refused to retaliate to Sir Alex Ferguson's disparaging comments regarding Newcastle United.

The Scot branded the Magpies a "wee club" after Pardew had suggested that his touchline behaviour during their recent match at Old Trafford warranted punishment.

Ferguson remonstrated with referee Mike Dean after he had overruled his linesman to allow Jonny Evans's own goal to stand, despite Papiss Cisse being in an offside position.

Ferguson said that Pardew had no right to criticise him following his shove on the fourth official on the opening day of the season, but the 51-year-old has refused to rise to the bait.

"I don't really care [about Sir Alex Ferguson's comments]," BBC Sport quotes Pardew as saying. "I'm only worried about Newcastle."

Manchester United won the game 4-3.