Sir Alex Ferguson insists Spurs must be taken seriously as title contenders and believes they 'play the best football in the country'.
United boss hails Redknapp's men
Sir Alex Ferguson insists Tottenham must be taken seriously as title contenders and believes Harry Redknapp's men 'play the best football in the country'.
Premier League holders Manchester United and local rivals Manchester City are expected to do battle for honours this season as they currently lead the way going into the New Year, with the Blues holding the edge on goal difference.
The Red Devils will take over at the summit with victory over Blackburn on Saturday, with Roberto Mancini's men not in action until New Year's Day when they travel to Sunderland.
But Ferguson has warned that Spurs remain genuine challengers for glory, even though they are currently seven adrift of the top two in third.
Redknapp's men do have a game in hand, and with both City and United to play within a six-week spell from the end of January to the beginning of March, the Londoners cannot be written out of the battle.
The best
"Tottenham can definitely win it," said Ferguson.
"They play the best football in the country and their current form is the best in the country."
With four home games coming up in January, Tottenham have a chance to push for a first league title in 51 years.
But their 64-year-old manager has warned his team that they face a tough fight just to finish in the top four and secure a UEFA Champions League berth.
"It's so tight," Redknapp said. "There are six teams going for those four places. It will be a real scrap."
Spurs' final clash of 2011 sees them make the trip to Liberty Stadium to tackle Swansea, with the Premier League newcomers having lost just once and conceded only three goals in their nine home games to date.
