Premier League most exciting, says Gill

ABU DHABI // David Gill, the Manchester United chief executive, is excited by the prospect of the closest title race in years and believes the English Premier League is more competitive than Spain's Primera Liga.

The top five teams in the Premier League are separated by eight points and United only occupy the summit on goal difference from Manchester City.

In Spain, meanwhile, there is already a nine-point gap between second-placed Real Madrid and Villarreal in third.

"I think it's exciting," Gill said. "It's one of the strengths of the Premier League, the fact that we do distribute our money broadly.

"Last year in Spain, I think the difference between Real Madrid in second and the team in third was something like 25 points, that wouldn't happen in England.

"The television rights are sold collectively and distributed according to a predetermined formula and that means that there is that sense of competition. You've seen Spurs [Tottenham] have invested quite significant sums and are doing well under Harry Redknapp.

"Manchester City, obviously, with Abu Dhabi [investment] are improving all the time."

United have two games in hand on City but Gill believes United's main advantage will be the experience and ability of Sir Alex Ferguson, their vastly-experienced manager.

"In any walk of life the key person is the man at the top," Gill said. "He's seen it, done it and knows what to do in particular situations."