Premiership more important than Champions League says Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson, head coach of Manchester United, during training 30 July 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says he will be putting the emphasis on regaining the Premiership title rather than winning the Champions League this season.

The Scot believes reigning champions Arsenal, rebuilt Chelsea and a re-energised Liverpool will push his side to the limit.

"It has become such a competitive league now," Ferguson told skysports.co.uk.

"I remember when we started in the European Cup I just kept talking about the European Cup.

"But the rivalries and intensities in the league are so great you're sometimes sidetracked into that.

"The rivalries have become more intense. Maybe beating each other is more important than beating teams in Europe," he said.

"Two out of the top four managers lost their jobs last season because they did not win the league."

After trailing Arsenal last season, Ferguson said his players will rise to the challenge.

He added: "You only have to look at how Manchester United have reacted to adversity in the past.

"In seasons after we have not fulfilled expectations, we have bounced back."