Fergie Expects City To Be Title Challengers

Alex Ferguson has claimed that he expects Manchester City to mount a realistic title challenge this coming season, both United and City are expected to hit the ground running when the campaign gets underway in August following closely by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Scot expects City to be a thorn in United’s flesh this season and Fergie acknowledges that United will have to play at their best if they are to reach their 20th Premier League title, City have emerged as realistic challengers for major honours since Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club and heavily investing in the team.

He said: "There was a period not so long ago when City were actually in the second division and they were never a thorn in our flesh.

The Manchester United manager also went on to add; "Whereas every year in the past we've had to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.

"But winning a trophy does you a power of good. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It takes the pressure off the manager and gives confidence to the players.

"We've experienced it ourselves over the years and we expect City to be challengers next season.

"But nothing changes. One of the teams will always be a thorn in our flesh, whether we like it or not - possibly all four of them."

Ferguson also believes that Liverpool, who have endured a difficult time of late, will be back to their best under Kenny Dalglish this season.

He added: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it.

"Long term you know they are going to there."

Ferguson has also reiterated his desire to maintain his position in the United hot seat and has played down speculation that he could retire soon, when speaking about if he looking for retire soon he added;  "Absolutely not,"

"Not at all. I'm not even thinking about it. You just have to keep going.

"The challenge, whether it's with young players or old players, is that you have to do something. There's always that expectation at this club."

Carlos Tévez: Why I Want to Leave

Carlos Tevez wants to leave City

Carlos Tévez has moved quickly to confirm that he wants to leave Manchester City. After missing the game against West Ham, specualtion had been mounting that Tévez had handed in a transfer request.  That was, it seems, the case.

However, Manchester City then moved to reject the transfer request in hope of convincing the Argentinean to remain at the club. Despite this, the 26 year old has today issued a statement expressing his desire to quit.

Tévez has clearly made up his mind. In his statement he said; "I can confirm I have handed a transfer request to the chairman of Manchester City Football Club,"

"Now I need to clear my head and think because this is an important part of my career.

"My feelings have not changed and it is regrettable that we have reached this situation. But it is something I have felt for some time and have spent many hours thinking this through."

Tévez had wanted leave the Blues this summer, but long-time advisor Kia Joorabchian talked the striker out of a move.

"I hugely resent the management's suggestions that I have been unduly influenced by others," said Tevez.

"I wanted to leave in the summer, but was convinced to return to the club. Sadly, my feelings have not changed. I am disappointed that the management should now see fit to try to portray the situation in another light."

The forward has not exactly been at the club for an eternity.  He arrived in the 2009–10 summer transfer window, the first player to be transferred between the two Manchester teams in a decade.  Yet he quickly made himself indispensible in the eyes of fans and players and became Captain this season.

He continues bleakly in his statement, "My relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club has broken down and is now beyond repair. I do not wish to expand on this at this stage. They know, because I have told them."

Tévez thanked owner Sheikh Mansour for his understanding.

"I wish to clarify that I have no personal issue with the manager Roberto Mancini," he said. "The owner has been very generous with what he has offered to me. I would like to thank Sheikh Mansour for his understanding and support."