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Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United this weekend begins the defense of the English league title in the last three years compared to some rivals hungry for success: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, the new rich English.

The output of the Portuguese towards the Real Madrid gave hope to the rest of the English Premiership clubs. From 2007 to 2009, were regular in Alex Ferguson and finished as league champions.

"Cristiano is the best player in the world, and if you lose, obviously there will be questions," accepted the United striker, Wayne Rooney. "We must play with a different style to remain winners, but I am confident that we will succeed."

The questions of who speaks striker hopes generated at parity to the islands this year. "There are five or six (teams) that are capable of fighting for the title," he dared to say Rafael Benitez, Liverpool's technical.

His club is one of those who wish to address the ship's United, who lost not just Ronaldo but the Argentinian Carlos Tevez, tempted by the tanker full of money he was offered the citizens of the City.

But Liverpool is also low. The most significant of the Spanish Xabi Alonso, key in the creation of the game. To end 20 years of drought, the Reds relied on the former side Portsmouth Glen Johnson and the Italian Alberto Aquilani, Roma bought.

"I do not think we can win the Premiership, I think that we must win," said Torres, who yesterday signed a new contract for four years with Anfield.

After winning the Community Shield to Manchester United, Chelsea's Italian Carlo Ancelotti will attempt to demonstrate that the real threat to the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson team.

"To win the Premiership and the Champions League we need identity. And I think we are on track, "said the new blue technician who not only reinforced the template, but continues to regard as Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard.

Arsenal want to be part of the fight, but casualties of the Togolese Emmanuel Adebayor and Ivorian Kolo Toure, both sold to the City, may create doubts. Least the imperturbable and always confident Arsène Wenger.

"I feel we are strong enough. In England people think that all problems are solved by buying players. The major objective is to work hard, we can improve and enhance confidence in the players we have, "said Wenger.

At Arsenal Eduardo da Silva was recovered and is the new jewel in the quarry gunner: Jack Wilshere, a lefty mediapunta of 17 years.

For the four eternal, they link the economic power of Arab billionaire Sheikh Mansour and his Manchester City, to invest 125 million euros. Tevez, Adebayor, Gareth Barry and Paraguayan Roque Santa Cruz are the new faces with which to forget last season's team will try to give the City of batacazo.

His coach, Mark Hughes, spoke of the dream citizen: to prevent the United get the record for winning four consecutive league.