Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels this season's title race will be wide open.
Ferguson concedes that the race to secure top honours in English football will be keenly contested, with the competition increasing year on year.
"I think you could say that five or six teams will be involved," he told Sky Sports News HD.
"It's always hard to win the league. It's a league that if you look at it, in the south you have the London teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea and then you have ourselves, Manchester City and Liverpool in the north.
"It's a really, really difficult league to win."
United have put considerable faith in their youngsters this season and Ferguson admits it is important to inject new blood into a side on a regular basis if you intend to remain competitive.
"You have to try and build teams that will last for a few years," he said.
"We have done that quite successfully over the years. This is another example of trusting the young players and giving them opportunities."
