Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Liverpool Have Squad To Challenge For Title, Insists Benitez


Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is uncertain how Ronaldo's departure will impact Manchester United's title challenge this season but is confident the Reds have the squad to match the defending champions.

United have only spent around a quarter of the £80million they received from Real Madrid for the Portugal winger on Antonio Valencia from Wigan and Bordeaux's Gabriel Obertan while Michael Owen joined the club after his Newcastle contract expired.

However, Carlos Tevez also left Old Trafford for Manchester City and it remains to be seen how both his and Ronaldo's exits will affect the Red Devils this season.

Benitez, whose only major signing so far this summer is full-back Glen Johnson, downplayed the significance of Ronaldo's departure but believes United's spending is not over despite Sir Alex Ferguson's previous claims to the contrary.

'I don't know," he said when asked if Ronaldo's switch to Real Madrid means Liverpool now have a better chance of winning the Premier League.

'I'm sure that they will have some money and they will buy some players so they will be strong but we've really improved with Glen (Johnson) so hopefully we can be a little bit better and it will be enough.'

City manager Mark Hughes has quickly set about spending some of the Middle Eastern owners' millions in the transfer market in an effort to break into the top four and bring Champions League football to Eastlands.

United boss Ferguson has, however, dismissed suggestions their city rivals will prove serious title contenders this season but Benitez was more guarded in his assessment of the Eastlands club's credentials.

'I think that every club now in the Premier League is trying to improve, City is one of them so you never know,' he added.

'At least I would like to be there at the top of the table and be contenders but I cannot say too much about the other teams.'

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