Fergie warns players

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his superstar squad to prove they still have the desire to be the best team in English football.

Having dominated the domestic scene for a decade, United finished last season trophyless, having also been forced down into third place in the Premiership behind Double-winners Arsenal and Liverpool.

And Ferguson has already started to turn up the heat on his high-profile players ahead of the forthcoming Premiership campaign, casting doubts over whether they have the stomach for a battle to regain their top spot among England’s elite.

‘‘You have to say the only thing to worry about, with the ability we have here, is desire,’’ said Ferguson.

‘‘Are the players hungry enough? Do they have that desire? I’m confident we will see that question positively answered next season.’’

The Old Trafford boss added: ‘‘The disappointment of winning nothing will have a positive effect.

‘‘This has been the first time in 10 years we have finished outside the top two.

‘‘Maybe it’ll be the kick up the backside we needed because I’m certainly not accepting it.

‘‘We’re going to have to do something about it,’’ he told the Daily Mirror.