Fergie doubts Blues' hopes

Red Devils does not see rivals improving their game

By James Pearson   Last updated: 23rd July 2008

Fergie doubts Blues' hopes

Ferguson: Questions Blues

I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team that's in their 30s.

Ferguson on Chelsea
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is not expecting to see Chelsea come on leaps and bounds this coming season.

The Blues pushed The Red Devils all the way for the Premier League title last season with the trophy only decided on a dramatic final day of the campaign.

However, with many of Chelsea's stars into their 30s, Ferguson fails to see how Luiz Felipe Scolari's side will be able to offer much more than they did last time around.

"They are an experienced side," Ferguson told the Daily Mail. "I'm not saying necessarily that they're old because with the modern-day training methods, you should be playing in your 30s.

Lack of progress

"What I'm saying is that I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team that's in their 30s."

Ferguson has even laid down the gauntlet for Scolari, by saying it will be hard for the former Brazil coach to emulate the record of his immediate predecessors.

"I'm not concerned about Chelsea," he continued. "Avram Grant did a good job and Mourinho won the title two years in a row and beat us in the FA Cup final.

"So there's no-one who can improve on (Jose) Mourinho's record really. It would have to go beyond Mourinho's performance to really worry us and that will be a challenge with the players they've got and the players they've added."

Firing blanks

Meanwhile, Ferguson has conceded Rooney's goals tally suffered last season as a result of him often utilising the England international out of position.

The former Everton striker was United's third highest league scorer last term with a return of 12 goals from 27 Premier League appearances.

Ferguson shoulders the blame for Rooney's tally and hopes to correct the problem this season by playing the striker through the middle.

"I think I have to take a bit of responsibility," Ferguson told the Sun regarding Rooney's goals tally last season.

"He has sacrificed himself and never complained about it, which says a lot for the lad.

"We have to define his role a bit better for us. I think his best position is through the middle, either in a front role or tucking in just behind.

"He can play either role very well. He is aggressive, uses two feet, has good pace and the courage to go in the box. There's no reason why he can't get a good supply of goals."