Sir Alex Ferguson: 'We're the team to beat, not Manchester City'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the Red Devils are still the most feared team in the Premier League.

Manchester City have been deemed the team to beat following their title triumph last season but the Scotsman is adamant that United's history warrants them the position at the top heading into the new campaign.

"People may say Manchester City are the team to beat but I don't agree," said Ferguson. "We are the team to beat because of the way we react and the way we have bounced back from losing the league in the past. We will be strong this season."

United kick off their 2012-13 campaign with a fixture against Everton, while Man City welcome newly-promoted side Southampton to the Etihad Stadium on August 18.