Ferguson - Title to go to wire

United boss talks up improving standard of league rivals

By James Dall   Last updated: 2nd December 2008

Ferguson - Title to go to wire

Ferguson: Expecting battle

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting the tightest title race in years.

The Premier League champions currently lie third in table with a game in hand over leaders Liverpool, who sit six points above the Red Devils.

The new season has already thrown up a number of shock results, while just 10 points separate fifth and the relegation places.

Ferguson believes competition in England's top flight is fiercer than ever and is expecting a stern battle in retaining the league crown.

He said in The Times: "In the past, it's always come down to two teams, but I don't think that'll be the case this season - I expect the big four to take it right to the wire.

"The improvement by other teams has made it much harder to go away from home and pick up points.

"I think you saw evidence of that last season and it's continued this year, even more so, in fact."