Sir Alex Ferguson Doubts Manchester City, Hails Louis Van Gaal in Autobiography

Sir Alex Ferguson has subtly questioned Manchester City's title credentials in an update to his headline-grabbing autobiography.

The Scottish legend also praises the "formidable" Louis van Gaal, who he believes was a "good choice" to take over the Manchester United managerial post from David Moyes.

Ferguson alludes to the manner in which City have won both of their Premier League titles. Last year's victory came by two points after Liverpool posted a number of slip-ups toward the season's end, while the 2012 achievement saw City oust United into second on goal difference.

Although Ferguson believes the Etihad squad was the best in the Premier League last season, he appears to question their title-winning mentality after two narrow trophy triumphs, reported by Oliver Todd for the Mail Online:

"There was no question that City possessed the best group of players (last season)," Ferguson writes. "Though the fact they have twice won the league so narrowly leaves a question mark. Why is that?"

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Some will pinpoint luck, others will underline the significant investment as a major factor in City's success. While the additional funds have certainly turned the club into an elite force, both of the Sky Blues' title wins are excellent examples of never accepting defeat.

Few will forget the moment Sergio Aguero lashed home a last-second winner on the final day of 2011-12. Similarly, Steven Gerrard's slip to hand Chelsea the lead at Anfield, or Crystal Palace's ability to come back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Liverpool last term. These unforgettable occurrences are the moments in which close title races are won (both for City, in this instance).

United fans will be hoping to witness equally memorable occurrences across the coming years. Ferguson believes the side are in excellent hands with Van Gaal, reported by Todd:

"

Louis is what I would call a managers' coach. He's one of those committed ultra-professionals. If I had to choose one word for him it would be "formidable". Football is his life. Wherever he has managed, every footballer will have learned from him. He was a good choice.

"

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Ferguson aims to reconstruct the common idea that he picked Moyes as his successor, reported by Daniel Taylor of The Guardian and Kevin Palmer of the Sunday People:

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Ferguson on Moyes in his updated book: "He hadn’t realised just how big United is as a club." #MUFC

— Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) October 21, 2014"

Football writer Samuel Luckhurst offered a reason as to why Ferguson would distance himself:

United certainly look a greater attacking threat under Van Gaal. Players such as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao have impressed during the early stages of their United careers, but United haven't possessed a top-quality defence since before Ferguson left.

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This was highlighted once again during Monday night's draw with West Brom. Despite dictating much of the play, United conceded from the Baggies' two shots on target, forcing the team into a fightback. Daley Blind eventually rescued a point, but long gone are the days of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra dominating at the back.

There's a sense that Van Gaal is more likely to get things right when compared to Moyes, though. The latter often played negative football, setting his team out not to lose. Van Gaal goes for the win and wants his side to dictate through accurate, fast-paced passing. This will be tested across the next few weeks, however, as United prepare to face Chelsea, City and Arsenal before the end of November.

Van Gaal's personality and tactics are more in tune with what fans expected of Ferguson during his time with the club. He possesses an air of authority, a dominant way of dealing with the media and adheres to his own principles above all. This is the type of strong leadership the Red Devils needed immediately after Ferguson's departure, even if it is looks like Van Gaal will take at least a couple of seasons to get things right.