He famously fulfilled his vow to knock Liverpool off their perch, now Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to do the same to Chelsea.

The United manager seems as hungry as ever at the dawn of his 25th league campaign with the Reds, and just as he was on his Old Trafford arrival in 1986, the boss is determined to overthrow the team who finished the previous term at the top.

"We've got to think about how we're going to win this league," said Sir Alex at a press conference to preview Monday's opening fixture against Newcastle.

"You have to think that Chelsea - having won the league last season - are going to be the favourites. That's what you have to think - the team that won it the previous season, you have to try and knock them off their perch."

While finishing at the summit and bringing home the club's 19th title remains United's sole league objective, for other clubs it's a case of fourth spot will do considering the European riches that may come with it. The race for Champions League places will be intriguing this season and Sir Alex tips a team from outside the traditional 'big four' to have a say in it.

"The interesting one is Everton, as they have got all their players back," said the boss.

"The first half of last season was a nightmare for them, with the injuries for major players like (Mikel) Arteta and (Phil) Jagielka - they were big losses to them. Now all these players are fit, they could be an interesting prospect for the season. I expect Everton to do very well this season."

 

While confident in United’s chances of mounting another trophy challenge on the domestic and European front next season, Bryan Robson admits he'd love to see the Reds bring in additional new faces for 2010/11.

Sir Alex has already secured the services of defender Chris Smalling from Fulham and striker Javier Hernandez from Chivas and recently reiterated that he is more than happy with the strength and depth within his squad. Robson, however, feels some additional options in attack would be hugely beneficial to United.

“Personally, I'd like to see the boss sign another couple of players,” Robson told ManUtd.com. “It would be great if we could bring in a goalscoring midfielder. You look at the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard who contribute so many goals from midfield for their clubs and I think that's an area we need to improve on.

“Also, having lost Ronaldo and Tevez last year I think one more striker would be a good addition as well, although Hernandez certainly looked promising at the World Cup. He didn't get a lot of time on the pitch, but he showed good movement, nice touches and clearly has an eye for goal.”

Robson, who is travelling on United's pre-season tour of North America in his role of club ambassador, insists the players will be champing at the bit to get going again this season after a summer spent brooding over the disappointment of the last campaign.

“After losing out in the big competitions the lads will be more determined than ever this time round,” he added. “It's a long summer when you've lost two big trophies and they’ll be desperate to get going again."