The midfielder believes David Moyes’ men face a tough task in keeping their crown and says Liverpool are a big threat this season because of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge

By Dennis Mabuka

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure believes “struggling” Manchester United will find it difficult to defend their Premier League title this season.

David Moyes’ side are six points behind league leaders Arsenal, although Manuel Pellegrini’s men are only two points better off than the champions after nine games.

“I must admit that we have a tough battle ahead to reclaim the Premier League crown,” Toure told Goal.

“We must work extra hard as a team to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

“United will find it hard to defend the title since they have a new manager, David Moyes, and are really struggling.”

Toure also feels Liverpool are currently strong contenders for the title due to their cohesive attacking partnership.

“Liverpool are a big threat at the moment because they have a strong squad and their strikers – Luiz Suarez and Daniel Sturridge – are scoring goals at will.”

Following the racist abuse he suffered during City’s last Champions League match against CSKA Moscow, Toure has suggested that black players could boycott 2018 the World Cup which is to be held in Russia.

And the 30-year-old insists he will continue to speak out against racism, adding: “There is no room for racism in modern football.

“Such vices must be condemned at all cost. I will not shy away from voicing my concerns.”

The former Manchester United manager has hit back at criticism regarding the release of his latest autobiography saying the book highlights the hardship of managing the Red Devils

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the publication of his recent autobiography, insisting it was written for Manchester United supporters.

The book was released last week and has attracted widespread controversy, with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers condemning the former Red Devils boss over his criticism of captain Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.

The Scot maintains the book was written solely for the Old Trafford faithful as a way of finally revealing the truth for those that have questioned his previous decisions and choices.

“I wrote the book for the fans,” he told reporters. “To let them understand why I had to make certain decisions, not for the press.

“The book is to make people understand how difficult the [Manchester United] job is. It’s a massive club, the biggest in the world, and that expectation is always there.”

Following 26 years in charge of United and a 13th Premier League trophy, Sir Alex retired from football at the end of last season and former Everton boss, Daivd Moyes was appointed his successor.

The Danish defender has played 215 times for the Reds but has only started four Premier League games this season due to the form of Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger admits he will have to leave Anfield if he can not regain his place in the side.

The Denmark international has only started four Premier League games this season, having fallen behind Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho in the pecking order.

Agger has been at Liverpool since January 2006, appearing 215 times, but admits his time could be coming to a end if he cannot break back into the team.

“If I don’t play, and if the manager doesn’t think I am good enough, that could make me leave Liverpool,” he told reporters.

“I’m here to play football, nothing else. So if I don’t play football, then I don’t want to be here anymore.”

Manager Brendan Rodgers sympathises with Agger’s predicament, but is adamant he has to be fair to his players and select his teams on current form rather than past achievement.

“I’ve always tried to show my fairness with players. People say ‘you don’t like this player’ or ‘you don’t like that player’ but it’s about performance level,” said Rodgers.

“If you are playing well you’ll play. If you’re not you’ll be in and out of the team. I’ve got an international captain [Agger] sitting on the bench but that’s because I like to think I’m fair and if people are playing well they play. Martin has been outstanding.

“I think in the run of games he’s had he’s gained confidence and that’s meant I’ve acknowledged and recognised that he’s playing at a really good level.”