SALFORD RED
24-07-2008, 10:00 PM
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
believes Chelsea's ageing squad may struggle
to challenge his side for major honours next season.
The Scot says Liverpool and Arsenal are as much of a threat
to United's hopes of retaining the Premier League title.
"Chelsea are an experienced side and
I don't see outstanding progress coming
from a team in their 30s," he said.
"I wouldn't write off Liverpool or Arsenal.
It has been understated what Arsenal achieved last season."
Ferguson, whose squad are currently on tour in South Africa, added:
"They suffered injuries at a bad time, Arsenal - in February they lost
most of their midfield.
"Who is to say that it would not have been closer
if Arsene Wenger had kept his players fit?"
As for Chelsea, they have high hopes of regaining the title
after bringing in new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and splashing
out £24m on Portuguese internationals Jose Bosingwa and Deco.
But Ferguson says it will be difficult for Scolari to improve
on what they have done in the past,
with essentially the same group of players.
.
believes Chelsea's ageing squad may struggle
to challenge his side for major honours next season.
The Scot says Liverpool and Arsenal are as much of a threat
to United's hopes of retaining the Premier League title.
"Chelsea are an experienced side and
I don't see outstanding progress coming
from a team in their 30s," he said.
"I wouldn't write off Liverpool or Arsenal.
It has been understated what Arsenal achieved last season."
Ferguson, whose squad are currently on tour in South Africa, added:
"They suffered injuries at a bad time, Arsenal - in February they lost
most of their midfield.
"Who is to say that it would not have been closer
if Arsene Wenger had kept his players fit?"
As for Chelsea, they have high hopes of regaining the title
after bringing in new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and splashing
out £24m on Portuguese internationals Jose Bosingwa and Deco.
But Ferguson says it will be difficult for Scolari to improve
on what they have done in the past,
with essentially the same group of players.
.