Sir Alex Ferguson may have begun the pre-season bluffing with his dig at Chelsea's not-so-golden oldies, but now he has been called and raised by Michael Essien, who claims Manchester United will be out of the title race by May.
Essien is not even sure United will finish second, insisting Ferguson's men are not even Chelsea's 'principal rivals'.
The midfield powerhouse has just signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and he is adamant that Ferguson forgot one major factor when questioning the age of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad.
Essien is in no doubt that he has improved immeasurably as a player since playing with the likes of Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard, and he insists it is impossible to put a price on such experience.
"Players like Ballack, Lampard and Deco are world class. They can change a game in an instant," explained the Ghanaian.
"When you are working with them on a regular basis, you improve every day as a player and as a team.
"I don't think United will be our principal rivals. Liverpool and Arsenal are signing good players.
"We've got the best players in the world and we will be the only team in contention come May."
Source: Setanta Sports
