While Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Liverpool to be stronger this term, he has also taken a dig at Arsenal.

Said Fergie: "Liverpool have spent and bought a lot of players for their academy, a lot of Spaniards," he says. "They've done that over the past year and I don't know exactly how many they've bought. Ten? They've paid a bit of money for them, too.

"But the ones they've bought for the first team, Fernando Torres - well we know about him. His age is good and they have probably bought him at the right time.

"He's had a long time at Atletico Madrid and probably needed to leave anyway. They've bought Ryan Babel as well, and he's a quick and a strong lad.

"They've added a bit to their squad, particularly their attacking options, so one thing for sure is that Liverpool and Arsenal won't want to be 20 points behind us again. You expect a bit of improvement there, don't you?"

And what of Arsenal? "You can play chess for 10 hours and still lose," replied Ferguson.

"Spurs are showing the right signs and they have made some good improvements from last year," he adds. "They are buying again. They bought a centre-half (Younes Kaboul) and Darren Bent, who will give them a lot of pace up front. I certainly think they will be pushing towards the top four this season."