Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, through gritted teeth, has suggested that arch-rivals Manchester City could win the Premier League this season. Ferguson – who once branded City as the ‘noisy neighbours’ – has said that City are the frontrunners in the close title race that is building up this season.
Six-way fight to the title, says Ferguson
In an interview with Germany’s Kicker magazine, the Scotsman did not discount United but said that the club needs some consistency to crawl back to the top of the league and topple the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the league table.
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The former Red Devils manager also added Tottenham and Chelsea to the list of possible title winners.
Ferguson also added that it is possible for United to catch teams at the top with some consistency, “I think there's five potential candidates: Manchester City as favourites, Tottenham and Liverpool, but also Man United are still there if we get some consistency soon. Even when you are trailing by six, eight points, it's still possible to catch one or two teams.”
Fergie impressed with Arsenal’s Iwobi
Sir Alex was also impressed with old foe Arsene Wenger’s side and reserved special praise for Arsenal’s Nigerian youngster Alex Iwobi, “And you shouldn't forget Arsenal. The team is more sturdy. They've got better and more aggressive. I'm impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi.”
In the Kicker interview, Fergie spoke about the charismatic managers of the two Manchester clubs and said that their rivalry makes it an exciting prospect, “The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho makes for an exciting competition.”
The ex-manager praised the Premier League’s newest managers – Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, but backed his club manager’s credentials and what he is capable of, “Guardiola's skills are beyond debate, Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola – he's won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries.”
United 6 points behind leaders Manchester City
Manchester United are currently in 7th position after nine matches and have already fallen behind league leaders Manchester City, who are on 20 points, 6 points ahead of their Manchester rivals.
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It is very tight at the top of the table with only goal difference separating Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Chelsea and Tottenham are a point behind the leading trio.
United’s confidence would have got a shot in the arm after last night’s slender victory in the EFL Cup round of 16 clash against Manchester City. United fans will hope that their team can take that winning mentality to their next fixture against Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
