Ferguson wary of capital threat in title race

MANCHESTER, England - Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to write off a challenge from London at the top of the Premier League in 2012 despite the dominance of Manchester's rival pacesetters.

A strong first half to the season from Manchester United and current league leader City has left many pundits predicting the eventual champion will come from Manchester.

However, although third-placed Tottenham is seven points behind Ferguson's second-placed team, Harry Redknapp's club has the luxury of a game in hand and history has taught the veteran United manager that challenges to their title could come from a variety of sources in the new year.