Rafa Benitez might claim that Alex Ferguson is worried by Manchester City’s incredible spending spree, but the man himself appears unconcerned ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Birmingham City today.
Many, including Liverpool boss Benitez, are tipping Manchester City to challenge for the Premier League crown currently held by United in the wake of their £100 million (US$165 million) spending spree during the close-season.
United manager Ferguson, however, insists clubs like City who want to break the stranglehold the top four have had on the English game in recent years will face a tough challenge.
PHOTO: EPA
Ferguson, who will play new signing Antonio Valencia at Old Trafford this weekend, said: “This is where the interest lies. They [Manchester City] have taken us off the back pages and I’m quite happy about that because sometimes I get fed up with reading about us.”
“What’s going to happen? Well, the only thing that matters is the results on the pitch,” he said. “I don’t think there is a threat to the top four. They are all well established.”
Ferguson is still without long-term injury victims Edwin van der Sar, Owen Hargreaves and Nemanja Vidic, but could welcome back Nani after he recovered ahead of schedule from a dislocated shoulder.
Ben Foster (knee), Johnny Evans (ankle) and Rio Ferdinand (back) are all expected to be fit as United begin the defense of their domestic crown.
Birmingham counterpart Alex McLeish, however, couldn’t find himself in a worse position after suffering horrendous defensive problems prior to the daunting trip to Manchester.
McLeish may have eased his leftback worries, but centerback still remains a problem area on the cusp of the new season.
McLeish has signed Gregory Vignal on a 12-month deal from FC Lens and he will go straight into the team at Old Trafford.
McLeish still needs to find two fit centerbacks, with Liam Ridgewell, Scott Dann, Giovanny Espinoza and Martin Taylor all ruled out.
Fullback Franck Queudrue could be switched to partner recent signing Roger Johnson.
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