Fergie puts pressure on Reds

Ferguson: More wary of Chelsea

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Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to Rafa Benitez's criticism by admitting he still considers Chelsea to be Manchester United's main title rivals

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez launched a calculated attack on Ferguson on Friday, claiming the United boss often receives preferential treatment from the Football Association.

Benitez's side currently top the Premier League table despite being held to a goalless draw by Stoke on Saturday.

Ferguson believes there is now more expectation on Liverpool to mount a strong challenge but he has hinted that he expects them to drop out of the title race before the end of the campaign.

Chelsea have dominated English football for the last few years alongside United and Ferguson feels their experience could stand them in better stead than Liverpool.

"I'm of the opinion that it normally goes down to two teams, in the last month anyway," Ferguson said in the Sunday Times.

Expectation

"Liverpool have had a good start and it's given them more confidence and there's more expectation on them now.

"They're talking about winning the league, the supporters are talking about it and the players are talking about it so that makes a change.

"But they've not been able to talk about it for at least a good few years.

"Chelsea have experience and have been our main rivals for the last five years."