Fergie writes off Manchester City’s title chances

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the winner of this year’s Premier League will come from a group containing United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

United winger Nani attracted the ire of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lately by ruling them out of the title race, but Ferguson maintains that the Gunners are definitely in with a shout.

Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are other contenders for the title, but Ferguson believes that their involvement in European competition will hinder their prospects on the domestic stage.

"I don't think there will be anyone outside ourselves, Chelsea or Arsenal (in the title race)," 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."