Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting a pulsating four-way tussle
for the Premier League title this season. Manchester United begin
the defence of their crown against Reading on August 12 knowing
Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have all strengthened in the hope of
denying the Red Devils a 10th title under Ferguson's
charge.
Of the trio, Chelsea have actually spent the least amount of money,
although in Steve Sidwell and Tal Ben Haim they have picked up two
of the best Bosman signings available. Most pundits expect another
two-horse race between United and Chelsea. But Ferguson is wary of
the threat coming from down the East Lancs Road at Liverpool.
And, having already declared Arsenal to be a better side without
departed hero Thierry Henry, the United boss realises it will not
be easy for his team this season, even if they do manage to add
Carlos Tevez to other new arrivals Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and
Nani.
"There is no gap between the top four teams," said Ferguson "We are
happy with the signings we have made and we have a great chance but
there is no complacency in terms of the challenge we will face from
other clubs. "Liverpool have bought five players, Arsenal have two
or three and while Chelsea have only actually bought one, they have
added a few others. "It just tells you what a great desire there is
amongst us all to win the Premier League."
After losing too much ground in the opening stages of the last two
title battles, Ferguson's side began impressively 12 months ago,
matching Chelsea stride for stride before easing into a lead early
in the New Year which they never looked like losing. Given this
year's champions will almost certainly need to amass a minimum 90
points from their 38 games, Ferguson is understandably hoping to
begin the campaign in winning form.
"I felt confident about last season but I also felt we needed to
make a good start to show we could live with Chelsea," he said.
"That was the big test because Chelsea had set the benchmark by
getting off to a good start, then maintaining it for the whole
season. "To achieve that helped us enormously and from about 30
weeks into the season, we held on to the number one spot which,
with a young team, is not particularly easy."
