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Fergie expects big challenge from City

Sir Alex Ferguson is content with his options heading into the new season © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested Manchester United's biggest challenge in the Premier League may come from rivals Manchester City.

Ferguson is putting the finishing touches to his side's preparations and although finding frustration in his bid to bring in a replacement for Paul Scholes, the Scot is content with his options.

United will bid for title No. 20 and Ferguson is ready for battle, with retirement way down his thought process.

When asked if he had thoughts about retirement, Ferguson said: "Absolutely none. Not at all. I'm not even thinking about it."

With City having spent big and expected to throw more money at the squad with a bid set to be made for Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, he is expecting a big challenge to come from Eastlands.

And with Ferguson suggesting it will be "difficult" for Liverpool to challenge and unsure of Arsenal's position, he fears City will rank alongside Chelsea as their main rivals.

"There was a period not so long ago when they [City] were actually in the Second Division and they were never a thorn in our flesh, whereas every year we've had to contend with either Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool," Ferguson said. "Nothing changes, one of them will always be a thorn in our flesh. You can't change history. Rather than isolating City, Liverpool or Arsenal, one of them will be a thorn in our flesh whether we like it or not."

When asked if Liverpool could mount a serious challenge, Ferguson said: "I don't know. I definitely think there will be an improvement, obviously, but it's a hard league and a difficult one to win."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.