We are Chelsea's equals: Ferguson

Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United are Chelsea’s equals.

Although the Red Devils kept the title race alive longer than many pundits expected thanks to their 11-game winning run at the back end of the season, a chastening 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in April appeared to put them firmly in their place.

Ferguson’s side eventually finished eight points adrift of Jose Mourinho’s but with no new signings yet in evidence for the Old Trafford outfit and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future uncertain, there is no great optimism among United fans about the chances of closing the deficit next season, particularly as Chelsea have already strengthened.

Michael Ballack and Salomon Kalou have committed themselves to the Stamford Bridge outfit, while it seems only a matter of time before brilliant striker Andriy Shevcheno seals a British record move from AC Milan.

The chances of United lifting the Premiership title for the first time in four years next May look bleak.

Yet Ferguson is convinced about the merits of his developing side and, citing the Red Devils’ home win over the back-to-back champions in November as evidence, believes the only major difference is a consistent ruthless streak at the back.

“We are as good as them, there is no question,” Ferguson told the official Manchester United magazine.

“Our win over them in November showed all the clubs that if you prepare properly and get at them, then you can get a result. But they are ruthless in defence and that was the difference this season.

“Anyone who watches the progress of the club can see there is a new team evolving which shows great promise. I am convinced and determined about that.”

Lyon’s Mahamadou Diarra continues to be linked with a move to United, as does Villarreal playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme.

Ferguson is yet to show his hand, although, without Roman Abramovich’s limitless funds at his disposal, it is vital his choice is the right one.

However, one man the Scot believes will make a major difference to United in the new campaign is Paul Scholes.

The former England star missed over four months of the season with a worrying eye complaint which he has admitted could leave him with permanent blurred vision.

However, despite Ferguson’s repeated assertions that Scholes would not be called upon again until next season, the 31-year-old was given the green light to re-start his career earlier this month and was his usual effective self in the second half of the 4-0 win over Charlton at Old Trafford on the final day of the campaign.

Ferguson expects Scholes’ condition to improve further during the summer and it is anticipated the influential midfielder will be part of the United squad which embarks on a three-match tour of South Africa in July.

“We are convinced he will be back next season,” added Ferguson. “He is a sensational player, one of the best we have ever had.”

After failing to receive specific advice about the nature of Scholes’ problem, Ferguson admitted there was understandably some initial concern about the player.

However, that has now eased, with Scholes reporting no ill effects from his late season run-out.

“It was an injury we have never been used to and it must have been worrying Paul because, when you have a problem with blurred vision and nobody can really give you a reason for it, then it is a concern,” added the United chief.

“But fortunately, he got back into training, he played the second half of the last game of the season against Charlton ad he did very well.”