Sir Alex Ferguson says former club Manchester United are still in the Premier League title race, with Jose Mourinho’s experience a key factor in their chances.
United are currently in seventh place, six points off the pace set by Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Chelsea and Tottenham are also ahead of the 20-time top flight champions.
However, Ferguson, who was this week awarded the Walther-Bense Mann Prize for services to modern football culture, told German magazine Kicker that you can never write off a man of Mourinho’s experience.
“It’s harder to predict than it was for many years,” he said.
“I think there are five potential candidates: Manchester City as favourites, Tottenham and Liverpool, but also Man United are still there if we get some consistency soon.
“Even when you are trailing by six, eight points, it’s still possible to catch one or two teams. The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho makes for an exciting competition.”
After nine games the Premier League title race looks to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, and Ferguson thinks Arsenal are also “capable of a deep run” this season.
United lost their first encounter with Guardiola’s City side in the Premier League in September, but Mourinho level the scores somewhat with a 1-0 win in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.
The two managers are the focus of attention in the title race and Ferguson says the former Barcelona and Real Madrid rivals are equally matched.
He said: “Guardiola’s skills are beyond debate, Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola – he’s won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries.”
Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles over a 27-year stint with United, but the club have not won the Premier League since his retirement in 2013.
David Moyes and Louis van Gaal had disappointing reigns – a run Mourinho is no looking to put right.
United are winless in three league matches, and have won just one of their last six altogether, meaning Mourinho already faces an uphill battle in what could be a very competitive season.
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