Fergie says City not major threat
Ferguson has watched agog like the rest of a startled football world this summer as City have splashed out millions in the pursuit of glory.
Emmanuel Adebayor is the latest £25 million (€29m) addition to a cast list that also includes Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz and former United favourite Carlos Tevez, with the prospect of more to come.
As someone who has become accustomed to City’s famous inconsistencies during his 23 years at the Old Trafford helm, it must feel strange to know a challenge to United’s dominance may come from much nearer home than usual this term.
Yet, relaxed and healthy at the start of another punishing season, Ferguson let his thoughts wander from United’s current base in Kuala Lumpur to the city they share with a team now in a very big hurry.
“Given all that has happened in the transfer market this summer, it is a different type of challenge we are facing,” he reflected.
“We are being challenged for the back pages.
“Manchester City are getting all the back page stories and they will hold that position for the rest of the season because there is a lot of interest in what they have done and a lot of speculation about whether it is going to work.
“But I cannot look at Manchester City as our main competitors. Liverpool and Chelsea are our main competitors. There is no doubt about that.”
Ferguson added: “It won’t be easy for them to win anything, even with all the players they have bought.
“They have bought a lot of high profile players but they have 10 strikers. That is a hell of a lot.
“I have not spoken to all the managers but the one or two I have are saying ‘Who are they going to leave out?’
“How do you tell players they are not even going to be travelling? How does he pick a team? We are all interested.”
On the title race Ferguson expects the greatest threat to United to come from Liverpool and Chelsea and feels Arsenal have ‘the biggest job to do to launch a challenge.
“I see Chelsea and Liverpool as the main threats because they have the experience and they are consistent,” Ferguson said.
“They are hard to beat. That won’t change. But I can’t make up my mind about who is the better team. There is not much between them.
“Arsenal have the biggest job to do because they have sold Adebayor and don’t seem to have the money the rest have got.
“How Arsene develops his team will be his biggest test.
“The one thing we know about Arsenal is that they will play some of the best football you will see and they will create chances. They could easily re-establish themselves and challenge for the league again.”
Meanwhile Ferguson claims departed hero Cristiano Ronaldo is “streets ahead” of Kaka and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world – but is confident teenage star Federico Macheda will eventually receive the same adulation.
Ferguson only agreed to Ronaldo’s desire to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid when the Spanish giants offered to pay an up-front world record payment of £80m (€94) this summer.
Many United fans have already claimed they are happy to see the Portugal superstar go given his increasingly individual approach, particularly as it allows Wayne Rooney to resume the central attacking berth he craves.
However, Ferguson is not joining those now attempting to rewrite history.
Describing Ronaldo’s exit as “a massive loss”, the United manager paid a glowing tribute to the player he still regards as number one on the planet, even if the title that currently belongs to the former Red Devil is likely to be inherited by Messi this winter.
“Cristiano is a massive loss,” Ferguson said.
“I have nothing but praise for the boy. He is easily the best player in the world.
“He is better than Kaka and better than Messi. He is streets ahead of them all.
“His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible. Strikes at goal, attempts on goal, raids into the penalty box, headers. It is all there. Absolutely astounding.”
Yet, as he hands over Ronaldo’s number seven shirt to Michael Owen, Ferguson is already looking at his next star of the future.
No-one will forget the way Macheda burst onto the scene last spring when he followed up a sensational injury-time winner against Aston Villa by securing another victory against Sunderland a week later.
“Macheda is top drawer, a hero in the making, just as Cristiano was,” said Ferguson.
“It is hard to believe he is just 17. We probably need to check his birth certificate because I reckon he is at least 28. He is a player all right – and tough as old boots. He can look after himself.
“He does not have the lightning reactions of Ronaldo but he is quick around the box and he has an eye for goal.
“He was way in front of everyone with his finishing the other day – and I mean everyone. It was magnificent to see.”
Macheda proved his credentials yesterday, scoring United’s opener against a Malaysia XI before Michael Owen’s second goal in two games secured a 2-0 for the Red Devils.
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