Sir Alex Ferguson believes that is a ‘tribute’ to his Manchester United team that they are still in there fighting for the title in the ‘changing landscape’ of the Premier League (United 7/4 - Outright).

Fergie has seen United become the most successful club in the England’s top-flight with last season’s success setting a new benchmark of 19 league titles, after almost 20 years of domination in the Premier League era.

The Red Devils are very much in the title race again but there are new challengers to the crown, with neighbours Manchester City three points clear – and 4/7 outright favourites - while Tottenham (14/1) five points back in third.

There is still a long way to go in the the title race but Ferguson believes the club’s continuing ability to challenge for domestic honours is worthy of praise, particularly in the modern climate.

“It’s a tribute to us. We won our first Premier League title in the 1992/3 season – 20 years later we’re still in there battling,” Ferguson said.
 
“We had ten years with Arsenal, which were tough, and the games became physical and controversial. Chelsea got off to a good start under Jose Mourinho and we found it difficult to catch them.
 
“It’s a tough league. You don’t get two teams streets ahead, as you do in other leagues, like Germany, Spain and Portugal.
 
“We’re finding that this season with City and Spurs. The landscape is changing. But if we can win the games at Chelsea and Spurs, it will give us a good chance.”

United face a tough run of fixtures, particularly with the Europa League campaign starting – against Ajax – later this month, and take on Chelsea on Sunday at Stamford Bridge before hosting Liverpool next weekend, while a trip to White Hart Lane is on the horizon in the first weekend in March.