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Premiership buys new lease on life

"We are in a different league to last year with the money situation and the players coming in."

Frank Lampard, Chelsea midfielder

Manchester United aim to prove there is life after David Beckham by clinching a ninth Premiership title in the last twelve seasons and quelling the threat of southern pretenders Arsenal and Chelsea in the process.

The new season kicks off this weekend with the Old Trafford giants confident that the departure of Beckham to Real Madrid will not damage their double assault on the Premiership and Champions League.

But in the capital, ambition is stirring with Chelsea's new Russian owner Roman Abramovich having poured US$100 million into new talent while Arsenal believe their stability will be the key to knocking Alex Ferguson's United off the top.

United have invested the ?25 million they received for Beckham in goalkeeper Tim Howard, midfielders Eric Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson plus strikers David Bellion and the exciting Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The manager has been in this business for such a long time and everybody knows he makes the right decisions," said Ruud van Nistelrooy who hit 41 goals last season.

"It was great to play with David Beckham. I will miss him and I wish him all the best. But as players we have our own jobs to do," he said.

Ferguson, never one for sentiment, is drooling over the impact Ronaldo could have -- even handing him Beckham's old No. 7 shirt.

"Ronaldo is young. Some famous players at this club have had the jersey -- Cantona, Robson, Beckham in my time here," explained the United manager.

United face a tricky opener today when they entertain Bolton who have won on their last two trips to Old Trafford.

Furthermore, Bolton have their own new Portuguese striker to show off, having signed former Golden Boot winner Mario Jardel from Sporting Lisbon.

Last season, Arsenal threw away an 11-point lead to let United pip them to the post and they have been quiet in the transfer market with the arrival of new goalkeeper Jens Lehmann the only noteable acquisition.

"With less money available it is a big challenge for me, and I would say the players as well," said coach Arsene Wenger whose spending power has been curtailed as the team head for a new stadium, and who suffered the psychological setback of losing to United in the Community Shield last week.

However, the Frenchman received a welcome boost with Thierry Henry, captain Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires, who are instrumental to any hopes of trophy success, pledging themselves to the club for the long term.

The Gunners, who welcome Everton to Highbury on Saturday, are not too concerned by their London rivals Chelsea's recent investments.

"When you have money you can buy, it is as simple as that, but it looks to me that it won't be the end," Wenger said. "However if Abramovich gets bored and leaves then Chelsea will be back where they started."

Chelsea's first test of their Premiership credentials comes tomorrow when they travel to fellow title contenders Liverpool where coach Gerard Houllier is already under pressure having failed to deliver a Champions League place.

Even ice-cool striker Michael Owen thinks time is beginning to run out on his dream of winning English football's biggest trophy.

"There is an extra significance to this season," he said. "We want to reach the top and win the league. You don't get a million-and-one chances as a manager or a player to do that and we need to do it quite soon."

Chelsea, with virtually a whole new team to show off, are confident that the title is there for the taking.

"We are in a different league to last year with the money situation and the players coming in," midfielder Frank Lampard said.

"We've moved on a million miles over the summer. I think this squad can achieve pretty much anything. We're signing new players all the time and all the signings have been good players."

A summer of breakneck transfer activity at the club has seen the arrival of such diverse talents as Adrian Mutu, Juan Sebastian Veron, Joe Cole, Wayne Bridge, Damien Duff, Geremi and Glen Johnson.

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