Manchester United reclaimed the Premiership title last season, ensuring Jose Mourinho ended his last season at Chelsea without the most prized trophy.

Ferguson has claimed that this year will be tougher for him to retain the title, with Arsenal and Liverpool now in the picture, after finishing twenty points behind the season before.

"I said at the start of the season that after finishing so far behind last year Arsenal and Liverpool wouldn't want that again," said Ferguson.

"We expected improvement from them both. Arsenal are doing very well, Liverpool are winning a few games and Chelsea's form since they lost to us has been very good.

"I think you are going to get that now. It is going to be a real battle for the league."