Manchester United still in Premier League title race, insists Sir Alex Ferguson

The former Old Trafford boss even suggested that Leicester could be in the hunt

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can still win the Premier League this season as the competition is so open.

In an interview with ESPN, the legendary manager told how he believes the inconsistent form shown across the division could play into any team's hands.

The former Old Trafford boss also suggested that he had been impressed with the form of Leicester City, who have started the season brightly under Claudio Ranieri.

"It's that kind of league, anyone can win it now. Leicester are the most consistent. They've only lost one game. If we get to New Year up near the top, we'll have a good chance."

"[Van Gaal has] certainly made a lot of changes and he's bought (six) new players this year and, I think, five or six new players the year before. That takes time and it's not easy.

"Coming to Manchester United, you do need time. In my time, there was maybe Dwight Yorke who gave an immediate response. He was fantastic from day one. They are not always like that; he was an exception. It normally takes some time, particularly if they come from abroad, to settle in."

Ferguson also offered reassurance to his former player Wayne Rooney, who has struggled to find goals in his club's shirt so far this season.

Rooney has only scored once in the Premier League this term and his place in the side has been questioned. Ferguson, however, believes that the striker will soon hit his stride.

"All the strikers I had, everyone relied on their confidence. When they were scoring they think they can never stop, when they're not scoring they think they're never going get a goal, it's a fact.

"When I was a striker I was the same; my dad used to say make sure you hit the ball, don't try and pass it in the net. Eric Cantona had it, [Ruud] van Nistelrooy had it, [Andy] Cole had it and then the rich stream comes along again and they're back to normal.

"I think we'll have to wait, it'll happen. [Rooney will] go on a run, don't worry about that."

Manchester United currently sit third in the Premier League table following an inconsistent start. Their 3-0 defeat against Arsenal last time out saw Louis van Gaal's side missed the chance to go into the international break on top of the table.

Rooney, the club's captain, is expected to start against his former club Everton at Goodison Park when the Premier League resumes this weekend, despite picking up an ankle injury while on duty with England.

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