Chelsea captain John Terry has again taken a swipe at Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the Premiership kickoff.

He said: "Fergie realises we weren't too far away from them at the very top of their game - I don't think they've got another level to go to.

"They've had a lot of players who have hit the peak of their form in the last two years. Rio's been awesome. Ronaldo's been unbelievable - I don't think we'll ever see that again."

"Rooney, Tevez, Giggs at his age - they've all been fantastic.

"But after the injuries at our place, we as players can all raise the bar a little bit."