Sir Alex Ferguson has sounded a warning to Manchester United's title rivals by saying his squad is stronger than ever.

United, who are attempting to retain the Premier League and UEFA Champions League crowns they won in spectacular fashion last season, added Balkan hitman Dimitar Berbatov to their squad over the summer to further strengthen what is widely regarded as one of the strongest in Europe.

Not surprisingly, Ferguson is delighted to have a multitude of options when it comes to team selection, especially given the fact that he currently cannot call on a trio of star performers.

"The squad is a very, very strong squad," he told Sky Sports News.

"You can see that now with the players I have out at the moment, three midfielders Michael Carrick, Own Hargreaves and Paul Scholes.

"Then you see John O'Shea on Tuesday night (against Aalborg) who was excellent, along with Anderson, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher.

"Possebon's injured at the moment and there's also young Darron Gibson. I'm blessed with the fact that I've got a strong squad and we should cope.

United travel to Ewood Park on Saturday to face a Blackburn Rovers side managed by former Red Devils favourite Paul Ince.

Despite his side's slow domestic start, Fergie can already see the green shoots of recovery going in the game.

"The form is getting better. You can see that," the wily Scot said.

"There was some good football played on Tuesday night. It's not easy to win easily away from home in Europe, but we won easily on Tuesday night and that's a good sign to see."

United's plans to leave Lancashire with all three points have however been hampered by news that Paul Scholes will definitely out of the Blackburn clash. Wayne Rooney is also a major doubt.