Sir Alex Ferguson On Next Seasons Challenges

4 months ago 21st Jul 10:59

2009/10 Football Season in the eyes of Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson in his pre season summary of the challenges ahead for current Champoins Manchester United has said he does not believes high spending Manchester City will pose any real threat to the club's Premier League crown this season.

Talking about his across town counterpart  said tit wouldn't be easy for Citty to win anything this year despite manager Mark Hughes spending millions building a squad he hopes is capable of breaking into the top four.

City's squad, which has already been boosted by the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor, Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz and former United favourite Carlos Tevez.

Many United fans were unhappy at Tevez's departure but Ferguson says the Argentine was not worth the £25 million his advisers wanted to turn his "lease" period into a permanent deal.

Although he made reference to the fact Tevez had become one of the fans heroes, adding that as such he was happy to go along with a deal as long as it was the right one but he felt the player was not worth the money.

Hughes, who already has Brazilian forward Robinho in his squad, also wants to strengthen City's defence and continues to chase Everton's Joleon Lescott and Chelsea captain John Terry.

In contrast while City continue their mission to outspend everyone, United have kept transfer dealings to a minimum.Hhaving sold winger Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record £80m and have so far only signed Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan.

Ferguson also feels Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger faces the biggest challenge after the loss of striker Adebayor to City.

Sir Alex added the one thing we know about Arsenal is that they will play some of the best football you will see and create chances and they could easily re-establish themselves and challenge for the league again.

Meanwhile as an added bonus Ferguson looks ready to welcome Owen Hargreaves' back from ong-term injury woes, ready to to be available for selection by the end in September.

The defensive midfielder played just three games last season, all in September 2008. Serious knee problems have kept him out of action ever since but Hargreaves could soon be available for selection if the final stages of his recovery from surgery are successful.

Hargeaves has completed his rehab in America, and although he has not travelled with United's Asia Tour,