Fergie’s bid to challenge Blues may be curbed by budget cap

ALEX FERGUSON’S plans to challenge Premiership champions Chelsea could be hampered by financial restrictions at Old Trafford in the wake of the Malcolm Glazer takeover.

Major sponsors Nike have already warned Manchester United a continued lack of success could cost them dear while there are reports a limit of £25m has been put on Ferguson’s annual transfer budget.

With money no object for Chelsea, who are bankrolled by Russian oil billionaire Roman Abramovich, the gap between the two clubs could well grow.