''Manchester United can win title but Guardiola's City favourites'' - Sir Alex Ferguson

Former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson has said his former club can still win the Premier League title this season but think Manchester City are title favourites.

Ferguson retired at Manchester United in 2013 after 26 years of success at the club, but the Old Trafford club have struggled since he left as David Moyes and Louis van Gaal who took the position after him both failed to mount a serious title challenge during their 1 and 2 years in charge respectively. 

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss, Jose Mourinho was appointed in the summer to try and restore the club back to the top and get them challenging for titles again.

Ferguson who was speaking to German magazine ''kicker'', said Jose Mourinho has the ability to rival Pep Guardiola, but results have been mixed as United currently sit seventh on the league table, six points behind City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Ferguson said he thinks City are the most likely champions, despite a run of poor form which has seen them unable to win their last six games in all competitions, but said: "It's harder to predict than it was for many years.

"I think there's five potential candidates: Manchester City as favourites, Tottenham and Liverpool, but also Man United are still there if we get some consistency soon. Even when you are trailing by six, eight points, it's still possible to catch one or two teams.

"The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho makes for an exciting competition. And you shouldn't forget Arsenal. The team is more sturdy. They've got better and more aggressive. I'm impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi."

Speaking about United rivals, Ferguson said Klopp has "revived Liverpool's enthusiasm" as he also praised Spurs manager Pochettino, but said he hopes Mourinho can replicate his previous successes at his former clubs.

"Guardiola's skills are beyond debate, Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola -- he's won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries," Fergie said.

"For my money Mauricio Pochettino has fantastic potential. Spurs have a good mix of youth and experience. Top players like Kane or Dier were injured but they're still in a good position."

Ferguson who is "disappointed that there are not more English or Scottish managers" in the league said:

"At the end of the day, quality is the decisive factor and the oversea owners want success and the best."

Source: ESPN FC's Germany correspondent, Stephan Uersfeld, contributed to this report.