Ferguson predicts a ‘dogfight’
Tottenham’s fourth-place Champions League qualification, combined with Manchester City’s seemingly bottomless pit of money which is transforming their squad, has put increased pressure on the so-called ‘big four’.
One of those clubs, Liverpool, have already discovered what happens if you drop off the pace just a fraction as they slipped to seventh last season.
Ferguson expects the competition to be even more fierce this time around.
“Things definitely changed last season – it was a different league altogether compared to what we’d seen before,” said Ferguson. “The top four found it difficult and dropped points in games they wouldn’t have expected to.
“That’s an indication of the improvement made by other teams, and I think there’ll be a bit of a dogfight for the top four places this season.”
Away from title talk midfielder Darren Fletcher admits he wants to follow the example of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville in having a long and distinguished career at Old Trafford.
There were times earlier in his career when it seemed Fletcher would be forced to move away from Manchester United in order to get regular first-team action. However the Scotland captain is now firmly established in Ferguson’s squad.
With over 250 appearances under his belt and a contract that runs until 2012, it does not seem Fletcher will be going anywhere soon.
And, having shared a dressing room with legendary United stalwarts for so long, he fancies a career-long stay.
“I can’t ever imagine being anywhere else,” he said. “There is nowhere better than Manchester United and if I can play my whole career at this club I will be a very happy man.
“There is something very special about staying at one club for your whole career – the likes of Gary, Ryan and Paul are all legends at Manchester United and to get anywhere close to that would be a real achievement.”
Meanwhile United last night completed the signing of Vitoria Guimaraes striker Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, better known as Bebe, subject to a medical. Personal terms have been agreed with the 20-year-old and he will move to Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee.
The Portuguese forward had also been closely linked with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid but he will join fellow new signing Javier Hernandez as Ferguson bolsters the Red Devils’ forward line.
Bebe made a name for himself at Vitoria after joining from Estrela da Amadora and, despite his tender years, has a strong physical presence as well as technical aptitude, vision and good passing skills.
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