SIR Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United come face to face with the biggest obstacle to their quest to reclaim domestic superiority this season when they take on Chelsea in tomorrow’s Community Shield.

Although Manchester City have again been England’s biggest spenders this summer, Liverpool have kept hold of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard and Tottenham are buoyed by a favourable Champions League qualifying draw, Ferguson is adamant last season’s double winners are the team to beat.

Although there are still doubts hanging over the futures of defensive duo Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho, Ferguson will be looking to Stamford Bridge for the main danger this term.

“With the experience Chelsea have got, you have to look at them being the biggest threat,” said Ferguson.

“They won the league and the cup last year and I do think you have to see the team that won the league as the ones you look at.

“I don’t see why anyone should think any different.

Chelsea have the experience.

You can’t dismiss them.”

Not that Ferguson is ignoring the other challengers either.

He has been saying for years that the general standard at the top end of the table is improving and is convinced the trend is continuing, despite Sam Allardyce’s claim that more top players are being put off Premier League life by the 50 per cent top rate of tax.

“It is a league with a lot of dangers,” he said. “The competition is being raised all the time.

“Last year, the monopoly of the big four was squashed when Tottenham came into it and they will make progress this year.

“Manchester City have bought again, so you obviously have to put them into the equation and Everton.”

Not that Ferguson intends to read too much into tomorrow’s result.

Given that Chelsea won last season’s encounter on penalties and then went on to win the title by a single point, it could be viewed as a barometer of what lies ahead.

However, with so many just back from their World Cup exertions, Ferguson knows it is more important to ensure his players all have enough match practice under their belts ahead of the campaign, which means Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic may have their appearance restricted.