Leicester City can lift the Premier League title, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Legendary former Manchester United boss praises current league leaders for 'fantastic vitality, speed and energy'

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (Getty Images)

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes current leaders Leicester City can win the Premier League, so long as they invest wisely in January.

The Foxes, whose title odds have shortened from 2500/1 to just 25/1 in recent weeks, are two points clear at the summit of the table after nine wins in 15 matches.

Claudio Ranieri, the Italian boss responsible for Leicester’s remarkable rise, has thus far refused to acknowledge his side are in the title race but 13-time winner Ferguson believes otherwise.

“This is a team with fantastic vitality, speed and energy,” he said. “Peter Schmeichel was saying at the moment Leicester are the best team in the league, without a doubt.

"But, the question is, how long will it last? Have they the resources to continue throughout the season?”

The 73-year-old sees similarities between this Leicester team and the one he led to his first English title at the beginning of the nineties but doubts whether Ranieri’s side can sustain their momentum without new signings.

“Back in 1992-93 when we won the league for the first time, Norwich led the league until the middle of March, the whole season. But we beat them at their own ground and won the league.

Claudio Ranieri celebrates one of Leicester's many victories this season (Getty Images)

“So, for a small club historically as Leicester City they have a challenge, how far can they go with this present squad, can they last the whole season?

“If I were him (Ranieri) I'd want an investment in January because this is a big opportunity. They could win the league, the way they are playing at the moment, and they have goals in their team.

“The problem for the owners is have they got the money? I think they have. If he wants to win the league I think he should add to it. And I think there may be a great chance.”

Jamie Vardy is the Premier League's top goal scorer

Leicester’s Thai owner Vishai Srivaddhanaprabha has an estimated net worth of $1.95bn but the East Midlands outfit have preferred an economical recruitment model, famously signing Algerian international Riyad Mahrez for just £400,000.

Ferguson, speaking at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in London, heaped praise on another star to take the Premier League by storm this season, top goal scorer Jamie Vardy.

“He is aggressive, he is quick, he has got energy and he has got a goal in him. He has proved that. He has got assets suited to modern-day football, particularly at a club like Leicester City.

“Our Darren [Ferguson’s son] wanted to sign him at Peterborough but Leicester came in. Vardy is a great example of never giving in and keeping a great belief in himself.”