Premier League preview: Wary Sir Alex Ferguson braced for six-way title battle

Manchester United sent out a real message of intent at Wembley. Dominant in the first-half against Manchester City, United nevertheless found themselves two goals down. It was not until the interval introductions of Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans that the Red Devils really cut loose, scoring three times to win the trophy and confirm their status as title favourites.

The feelgood factor surrounding Old Trafford continued yesterday when United confirmed that midfielder Park Ji-sung has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2012-13 season. However, despite all the positive vibes, Ferguson is wary about the heightened expectations.

Firstly, there were no points at stake last weekend. The Scot is also aware City might be slightly behind in terms of preparation as opposite number Roberto Mancini still has a couple of signings to make in addition to inserting Argentina duo Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez into his team.

With Chelsea leading the scrap from outside Manchester, Ferguson is preparing to face down as many as six challengers.

"They all knew last week was the Community Shield," said the Scot. "It was not the real stuff. That starts on Sunday. Wembley was an occasion. There was rivalry and everyone was motivated. We have to show that in every game. It is going to be tough. It will be a hard campaign, it always is. We will waken up to the fact last week was a different game."

Ferguson is given greater confidence because of the youngsters on display last weekend, only goalkeeper David de Gea lacks top-flight experience in England.

The value of loan spells for Danny Welbeck and Cleverley, both called into Fabio Capello's England squad for this week's postponed encounter with the Netherlands, at Sunderland and Wigan respectively is now being shown. Jones has been maturing at Blackburn Rovers, whilst Evans and Chris Smalling are already well used to high-octane combat with United.

"Picking my team is made easier by the second-half performance last week," said Ferguson. "When you are 2-0 down in these big games, you don't expect what we saw. Welbeck has played at Wembley two or three times but we wanted to find out how Phil Jones equipped himself, plus Smalling and Cleverley.They were fantastic but we still have to respect the experience of the ones who came off at half-time."

For all his immense belief in the young players, it would be a major surprise if Ferguson did not rely on his elder statesmen at the Hawthorns.

With all five major title rivals to face before the end of October, United cannot afford to make a slow start, especially as Ferguson expects such a major threat to his team.

"City are still short of a bit of fitness, have Aguero to come in, Tevez to come back and they might buy another two players," reflected the United manager. "The experience Chelsea have is better than anyone. Terry, Drogba and Cech have been there for yonks. They have been involved in the last seven titles. You cannot, in any way, dismiss them.

"The expectation will be on Liverpool to improve given the money they have spent and you can't rule Arsenal out either. They used to talk about a top four. Now it is the top six. That is even more interesting for everyone."

Ferguson does not have everyone available this weekend. Darren Fletcher and Antonio Valencia will play for the reserves against Arsenal at Barnet on Monday after overcoming a virus and an ankle injury respectively, whilst Javier Hernandez is ten days away from a return to football duty, according to his manager, after a bout of concussion.

Meanwhile, Mancini is concerned that City's failure to get their transfer business done quickly this summer could come back to haunt them.

Although efforts to secure the services of Samir Nasri from Arsenal are continuing, even if the French midfielder signed it would now be too late for him to be involved in the Barclays Premier League opener against Swansea on Monday night.

The Italian is acutely aware his side dropped five precious points before the end of August last year, so it is little wonder he is worried at the damaging effect it could have on his team this time around.

"It is not important whether you are the richest club or not," said Mancini. "The market is difficult. I understand that. But when you have your targets, it is important to go very hard.

"It was important to have these players for pre-season because it is there that you prepare for the season. At the moment, we don't have these players."