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."
