Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart summed up its strength and standing when discussing the possibility of his Dutch compatriot Wesley Sneijder illuminating it with his skills. “Of course he would like to play in England, it’s the biggest league in the world.”
And when Fergie believes at least six teams are capable of challenging for the title, that is four more than in La Liga and Serie A. For all Barcelona’s brilliance, Real Madrid’s magicians or the marvels in the Milan sides, the Premier League provides a rollercoaster of emotions like no other.
You can guarantee there will be tears, tantrums and tweets to go with the talent on display. So let the fun and frolics begin.
Sneijder may not be a United player by the time they open their title defence at West Brom on Sunday, but is still expected to become the final piece in a side that will be difficult to displace as kings of England.
Their only worry could be in goal. David de Gea sparked memories of Massimo Taibi at the FA Community Shield and mistakes at a high-profile club like United have left many a decent keeper scarred – and many a trophy squandered.
That is where Manchester City will hope to take advantage and, despite the uncertainty over Carlos Tevez, the arrival of Sergio Aguero and probably Samir Nasri in their ranks has made even Roy Keane reckon they are the biggest threat to his former club.
Dark horses no more, but they have still to show they are thoroughbreds and can last the distance. And that goes for madcap Mario Balotelli too. How long before he heads back to Italy in a huff or Roberto Mancini calls on that psychologist to handle him?
The Champions League is where the focus might be for Chelsea. Andre Villas-Boas, or AVB for short, will have to be the ‘Extra-Special One’ in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge and hope demanding owner Roman Abramovich will be the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) and not cut short his career.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be another sweating after another long hot summer. And without Cesc Fabregas and Nasri, the under-fire Frenchman will need Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshere fit and on top form to ensure they go great Gunns.
Kenny Dalglish has been there, done that, but the Liverpool legend will also come under pressure after a £100million (Dh600m) transfer spree to restore the Reds to past glories.
Van der Vaart’s White Hart Lane will also be pushing for that top four spot, but if Luka Modric goes and injuries hit, Harry Redknapp will be hot-footing it to England soon enough.
Watch out for Aston Villa and Stoke too. Alex McLeish has spent wisely from the sales of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young and could quickly win over the Villa boo-boys.
Stoke are going for the good, the bad and the ugly. What a double act long-throw specialist Rory Delap and Peter Crouch could make if the beanpole striker heads to the Potteries. Direct and deadly.
And they could have Wilson Palacios and Joey Barton to beef up their midfield too. These bruise brothers wouldn’t look out of place on a nightclub door and add to Stoke’s hard men image. Then again, don’t be surprised to see the Nietzchke-quoting Barton following Eric Cantona’s trawler and those Seagulls.
Stoke, though, should comfortably stay clear of the relegation battle, but Wigan won’t. Roberto Martinez has done what Big X could not by plotting a Great Escape in the past two seasons. A hat-trick would be even sweeter given he’s lost Charles N’Zogbia, and Omani keeper Ali Al Habsi will have to show why the Latics stumped up £4million (Dh24m) for him.
Blackburn could also be in bother again and fowl up the plans of their Indian owners to get them into Europe. And, as Blackpool found out, life can be sweet and sickly in the higher echelons and newly-promoted Swansea, Norwich and Queen’s Park Rangers will struggle to avoid an instant return to the Championship.
Rangers, backed by F1 guru Bernie Ecclestone, are in the fast lane after a 15-year absence, but Adel Taraabt will be crucial in making sure they don’t crash. The other two were attractive in the Championship, but will have to get ugly if they are to survive – it will be enough to drive co-owner Delia Smith to drink!
Let’s be having you.
