Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits the new threat of Manchester City does concern him. Ferguson, who correctly predicted last summer that Manchester City would not finish in the top four, is now anticipating a fiercer challenge from his neighbours.

"They will be a lot stronger this time," he said. "With the experience of last year behind them they'll be better equipped to go for the title because they will spend big money again.

"Winning the title is going to be more difficult for anybody. This time it's been ourselves and Chelsea and Arsenal for a period, but I think we can all hear the horses' hooves galloping closer.

"In addition to City, I'm expecting Tottenham to be in the mix as well. 'I suppose the neutrals will welcome a situation where the competition is spread further as being good for the game."