Sir Alex Ferguson: “League title priority for Manchester United”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted that reclaiming the English Premier League title is the number one priority for the top club.

After missing out on a record 20th league crown in the dying seconds of the last season, club football’s longest serving manager admitted it would be special to win back the title from defending champions and neighbours Manchester City.

City snatched the title in the 94th minute after a dramatic comeback in the last match of the 2011-12 season and won the title after 44 long years. Leaving the heartbreaking disappointment behind, the Red Devils are determined to win the title back with skipper Nemanja Vidic and fellow defender Chris Smalling declared fit for the new season.

Manchester United kickstart their campaign against Everton on August 20. A highly confident Ferguson said, “After the disappointment of last year we want to recover the title. We either win the title or come second, it’s an important part of the history of our club over the last 20 years. We have to recover, as we’ve done many times. That’s our target this year.”

What are the challenges staring at Ferguson? A tricky pre-season five-nation tour covering 22,000 miles, a squad spread randomly due to injuries, recovery and London 2012 commitments. Key players including Ryan Giggs, Rafael da Silva, David de Gea and Tom Cleverley are on international duties for the Olympics while Jonny Evans will miss the start of the season due to an ankle injury.

Ferguson ends on a high note, “ Priority number one is to win the title back. Recovery is so important and the same applies this season.”

Related:

Vidic, Smalling fitness boosts Red Devils for new season
Premier League: City begins ‘title’ defence against Southampton
London 2012: Giggs hopes Team GB football continues post Olympics

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