Fergie: Top 4 A Challenge

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes it will be harder than ever to break into the Premier League's top four this season.

The Red Devils finished second in the standings last term, just a point behind champions Chelsea as they just fell short in their quest for a fourth successive title.

Ferguson believes the title challengers all dropped unexpected points last season and he expects that trend to continue this time around as other teams have bolstered their options.

Tottenham claimed that all-important fourth spot last season ahead of Manchester City and Ferguson believes the likes of Aston Villa and Everton will also mount a serious charge.

"Things definitely changed last season - it was a different league altogether compared to what we'd seen before," he told the club's official website.

"The top four found it difficult and dropped points in games they wouldn't have expected to.

"That's an indication of the improvement made by other teams, and I think there'll be a bit of a dogfight for the top four places this season.

"We all have to be aware of the threats from the likes of Villa, Everton, Tottenham and Manchester City - they'll all be challenging to get into that top four."