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Fergie expects Arsenal tilt

Image: Ferguson: Three-way title challenge

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal to fight for the Premier League title.

United boss feels challenge may be beyond City and Spurs

Sir Alex Ferguson expects the fight for the Premier League title to be a three-way tussle between Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. The three clubs have dominated the quest to be champions over the past decade and are again set to be involved in this season's race. However, Manchester City have ambitions of breaking the trio's stranglehold on the title and Tottenham Hotspur also hope to stay in the hunt. United winger Nani, meanwhile, has written off Arsenal's challenge and believes it will be a joust between his own side and reigning champions Chelsea. Ferguson, though, insists Arsenal are contenders for the crown, but feels a sustained title tilt could be beyond City and Spurs this term.

Experience

"I don't think there will be anyone outside ourselves, Chelsea or Arsenal," said Ferguson. "Those three will certainly be there. "I know Harry (Redknapp) is talking up his chances at Tottenham but they are involved in the Champions League, which is a new thing for them. "If they get through the next stage it is not easy to manage European competition at that level and doing your league programme, plus FA Cup ties. Usually experience gets you through. "Manchester City have got a chance of course. But they will also have the Europa League that will make it difficult. "Maybe they, and Harry too, could buy in January because it is very difficult to manage both."
Barca friendly
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed United will tackle Barcelona in a friendly in Washington on 30th July. Although United are yet to confirm their pre-season plans for next summer, it was anticipated they would tour the United States once again. And the announcement on Barcelona's website that Sir Alex Ferguson's men will form one of their opponents for a three-match tour suggests United will also spend an extended period across the Atlantic.

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