Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson anticipates a "dogfight" in the battle just to finish in the Premier League's top four this season.
Tottenham's fourth-place Champions League qualification, combined with Manchester City's seemingly bottomless pit of money which is transforming their squad, has put increased pressure on the so-called 'big four'.
One of those clubs, Liverpool, have already discovered what happens if you drop off the pace just a fraction as they slipped to seventh last season.
Ferguson, who is aiming to finally go past their Merseyside rivals in terms of championships won - they are both on 18 - expects the competition to be even more fierce this time around.
"Things definitely changed last season - it was a different league altogether compared to what we'd seen before," said Ferguson.
"The top four found it difficult and dropped points in games they wouldn't have expected to.
"That's an indication of the improvement made by other teams, and I think there'll be a bit of a dogfight for the top four places this season."
Ferguson added on the club's official website: "We all have to be aware of the threats from the likes of Villa, Everton, Tottenham and Manchester City - they'll all be challenging to get into that top four."
Away from title talk midfielder Darren Fletcher admits he wants to follow the example of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville in having a long and distinguished career at Old Trafford.
There were times earlier in his career when it seemed Fletcher would be forced to move away from Manchester United in order to get regular first-team action, however the Scotland captain is now firmly established in Ferguson's squad.
Fletcher's absence was cited as one of the main reasons for United's dismal Champions League final performance against Barcelona in 2009, and his performances last term mean he is now regarded as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League.
It is just what the 26-year-old hoped for when he first headed south from Scotland as a raw teenager.
With over 250 appearances under his belt and a contract that runs until 2012, it does not seem Fletcher will be going anywhere soon.
And, having shared a dressing room with legendary United stalwarts for so long, the Dalkeith-born star fancies a career-long stay.
"I can't ever imagine being anywhere else," he said.
"There is nowhere better than Manchester United and if I can play my whole career at this club I will be a very happy man.
"Everything about the club - the fans, the facilities and the structure - is fantastic and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
"There is something very special about staying at one club for your whole career - the likes of Gary, Ryan and Paul are all legends at Manchester United and to get anywhere close to that would be a real achievement."
