Luiz Felipe Scolari's claims that Chelsea will win the title have angered Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Manchester United boss said: "I read that Scolari is more experienced than me.

"What have I been doing for the last 34 years? I must have missed something or been asleep somewhere.

"They are saying because of Scolari's experience Chelsea are going to win the league. I do not understand that."

Ferguson's record speaks for itself. He has just won his tenth Premier League title, boasts two Champions League wins on an impeccable CV and has been in the management game for 34 of his 66 years.

Scolari on the other hand, while guiding Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, has endured six barren years with a Portugal side many felt capable of landing a major international prize.

He also ducked out of managing England and has never taken charge of a club side in Europe.

But it is a fact that while Chelsea have bought Deco and Jose Bosingwa, and are trying to spend £20 million on Robinho, United have bought no-one.

In addition, a host of pre-season injuries leave Ferguson short on numbers for Sunday's Community Shield tussle with Portsmouth at Wembley.

Not that the United boss is too concerned. In the likes of Anderson, Nani and Carlos Tevez, Ferguson realises three of last season's major purchases were made with the future in mind.

And while Ryan Giggs will celebrate his 35th birthday in November and Paul Scholes and Gary Neville are only a year younger, he sees plenty of life there too.

"I have exactly the same squad as last season and I have to be confident it is not deteriorating, I cannot see how that can possibly be the case," said Sir Alex.

"I would have concerns if my team was full of players the same age as Ryan Giggs. But it is not.

"In people like Anderson, Nani and Tevez, we will see a lot of improvement.

"And the older ones have looked after themselves. Their concentration levels are still good and so is their desire.

"If anything, Paul Scholes' passing is the best it has ever been.

"It will not be easy. You expect Arsenal and Liverpool to improve and you would think Chelsea, with their experience, will be there.

"But I have to feel this team can defend its title."

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