MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson claims Arsenal's young stars are serious rivals for Manchester United's Premiership crown and Arsene Wenger's league leaders must be taken seriously this season.
United manager Ferguson takes his team to Aston Villa on Saturday bidding to keep within touching distance of unbeaten Arsenal, who have made a hugely impressive start to the campaign, despite the summer exit of Thierry Henry.
Arsenal have displayed breathtaking football and a menacing goal threat with a team of young players including Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Brazilian youngster Denilson.
And Ferguson admits that Arsene Wenger's mixture of youth and experience is far too dangerous for United to write off as they go in search of their tenth Premiership title.
Ferguson said: "The title race is still open, but Arsenal have made a great start and you can't deny that.
"And in Arsene Wenger they have a manager who has been there before and they also have the players who done it as well. Kolo Toure and Gilberto Silva know how to win the title, so the inexperience of some of their younger players won't be a handicap.
"Some of the youngsters haven't experienced it before, but the same could be said of some of our players last year and we led the Premiership for three-quarters of a season. We have missed players this season through injury, but we have got on with it and won games, so everything is coming together well."
[/i]