Ferguson expects tough defence of Premier League crown

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes this year's Premier League title race is going to be 'a real battle'.

United's 2-0 victory over Fulham on Monday night saw Ferguson's side reclaim second place in the league.

The win places Ferguson's side three points behind leaders Arsenal, but the Gunners also have a game in hand over United.

And Ferguson insists he does not expect a repeat of the last campaign where his side left Arsenal and Liverpool, who both remain unbeaten in the league this season, trailing in their wake as they pipped Chelsea to the title.

"I said at the start of the season that after finishing so far behind last year Arsenal and Liverpool wouldn't want that again," said Ferguson.

"We expected improvement from them both. Arsenal are doing very well, Liverpool are winning a few games and Chelsea's form since they lost to us has been very good.

"I think you are going to get that now. It is going to be a real battle for the league."