MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson thinks Everton are the dark horses in the Premier League top four challenge this season.

The Scot feels that particular battle could turn out to be very tightly fought after Tottenham gate-crashed the party last season, with Liverpool desperate to get back in.

Manchester City have once again flexed their financial muscle while, with Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta free from injury, Ferguson expects major improvement from Everton.

“I would expect Liverpool to improve with Roy Hodgson. Tottenham are on the upswing given their fortunes last season and Harry Redknapp’s experience,” said Ferguson.

“The interesting one is Everton because they have got all their players back.”