NEWCASTLE United manager Sir Bobby Robson sounded an ominous warning yesterday when he claimed that deposed Premiership champions Manchester United would be like a "wounded animal'' in the new season.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side registered their worst Premiership finish last term as Arsenal won the double and Liverpool pipped the Red Devils to the runners-up spot in the League.

The Old Trafford club had to settle for third place, just above Newcastle who saw off the challenge of Leeds and Chelsea to book a Champions' League berth.

But 69-year-old Robson knows that fellow knight Sir Alex will be determined to put all his rivals to the sword and re-establish the old order after finishing ten points behind his arch foe, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Robson, speaking at the unveiling of a statue of himself at Portman Road, the home of his former club Ipswich Town, said: "Manchester United will not be satisfied.

"They will know where the little bit of the jigsaw needs to be completed.

"I think they will be like a wounded animal and the team that beats Manchester United this season will again win the championship.''

Robson believes the domination of the English game enjoyed by Man. United, Arsenal and Liverpool is a testament to the value of experienced managers - something he insists Leeds put their faith in when appointing 59-year-old former England boss and Middlesbrough head coach Terry Venables to replace the sacked David O'Leary.

"If you look at the top of the Premiership last year, you can see the experience you have,'' said Robson.

"I think that shows the value of experience. I have no right to say that David O'Leary should have retained his job or lost his job. That is for Leeds United.

"What they have done is gone for a replacement who is an experienced manager. They went for Terry.

"You have got to have safe hands, reliable hands.''

But Robson praised O'Leary's foresight in spending £18m on England defender Rio Ferdinand, a decision which could net the Elland Road club £35m if he is sold to Man. United.

"Ferdinand always had the potential,'' said Robson. "David O'Leary has to be congratulated for spending £18m.

"He is going to fetch something around £30m if a deal goes through. That has more than paid for his salary.

"He has matured. At the World Cup he was a colossus - I can understand why Terry and Leeds don't want to lose him.''

Robson, meanwhile, said he was "overwhelmed'' to have a statue erected in his honour by Ipswich, the club with whom he forged his reputation as one of the top coaches in the world.

"I am overwhelmed,'' he said. "Proud and ever so slightly embarrassed. Deeply honoured.

"I was privileged to be knighted, particularly during the Queen's Jubilee and during the World Cup. It was quite ironic.

"I've had a terrific month. I am just trying to slow down, but I can't really.''

Newcastle have acknowledged the contribution of first-team coach John Carver, who has acted as Robson's right-hand man since the shock departure of Mick Wadsworth last summer, by offering him an improved deal.

Carver said: "This is a dream job and I am learning something from Bobby every day. Long may it continue.''

l A young Newcastle Reserve side came back from a 3-0 deficit to earn a draw in their opening pre-season friendly at North Shields last night, writes jack leslie.

Andy Bowman hit a hat-trick for the Wearside League champions in the first 52 minutes.

But Chris Moore (64), Tommy English (76) and Richard Offiong (77) brought United level.

And as the non-Leagu side tired United were several times close to a dramatic winner in front of an estimated 700 crowd.

Newcastle: Collin (Bell 45), Brittain (Gate 45), Kendrick (Dunn 45), Labonte (Carr 45), Ramage, Orr, Moore, Robson (Ferrell 45), Offiong, Zola (Guy 45), English.

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