30/03/2012 08:00, Report by Gemma Thompson .Sir Alex aims to stay ahead Sir Alex Ferguson says it's vital United remain in front of Manchester City in the coming weeks, now that months of chasing top spot have paid off. The Reds' 1-0 triumph over Fulham on Monday night secured a three-point advantage over Manchester City. And even if the Blues beat Sunderland at home on Saturday, the reigning champions will regain top spot at the end of this round of fixtures if defeat is avoided at Blackburn on Monday night. "Hopefully we can remain there but we also know that football can turn on you and bite you," Sir Alex told reporters on Thursday. "We have a small advantage, it’s not a great advantage; it can be changed in one game. We just have to take each game as it comes along, it’s the only thing we can do. "Once the Fulham game was over the focus was on Monday night [at Blackburn] and after that it’s the game against Queens Park Rangers. That’s the way we need to handle it." Experience of going the distance so many times is something that the manager believes will, as ever, stand his team in good stead for the season's finale. "Most of the players have had the experience... Ferdinand, Evra, Giggs, Scholes, Carrick and Rooney," added Sir Alex. "There are some of the young ones that aren’t accustomed to it like Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young, David De Gea, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. You've got the likes of Fabio and Rafael who have been involved for two or three years so they’re used to it; both have been in European final squads as well. They gather experience that way. It hopefully helps them in the run-in. "I think Ferdinand, Giggs, Scholes and Carrick help in that situation. If they were to lose their nerve then we would be in trouble! But I don’t expect that, I think they’re well accustomed to it." Experience of going the distance so many times is something that the manager believes will, as ever, stand his team in good stead for the season's finale. "Most of the players have had the experience... Ferdinand, Evra, Giggs, Scholes, Carrick and Rooney," added Sir Alex. "There are some of the young ones that aren’t accustomed to it like Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young, David De Gea, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. You've got the likes of Fabio and Rafael who have been involved for two or three years so they’re used to it; both have been in European final squads as well. They gather experience that way. It hopefully helps them in the run-in. "I think Ferdinand, Giggs, Scholes and Carrick help in that situation. If they were to lose their nerve then we would be in trouble! But I don’t expect that, I think they’re well accustomed to it." Experience of going the distance so many times is something that the manager believes will, as ever, stand his team in good stead for the season's finale. "Most of the players have had the experience... Ferdinand, Evra, Giggs, Scholes, Carrick and Rooney," added Sir Alex. "There are some of the young ones that aren’t accustomed to it like Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young, David De Gea, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. You've got the likes of Fabio and Rafael who have been involved for two or three years so they’re used to it; both have been in European final squads as well. They gather experience that way. It hopefully helps them in the run-in. "I think Ferdinand, Giggs, Scholes and Carrick help in that situation. If they were to lose their nerve then we would be in trouble! But I don’t expect that, I think they’re well accustomed to it." http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-F...stay-in-front-in-the-title-race.aspx?pageNo=2
"Darren's coaching with the Reserves and is going to start a programme quite soon in terms of getting his fitness up," revealed Sir Alex. "But he'll have a go at it and do his best. "I think the big push will be in pre-season to try and get back to the level he was at."
SAF: "Earlier in the season I thought 82 would do it but that won't happen now, will it? That calculation has been stood on its head." #mufc
De Gea set for Rovers rematch Sir Alex Ferguson is backing David De Gea to demonstrate the turnaround in his fortunes when he again faces Blackburn Rovers - the side who gave him a New Year's Eve hangover earlier this season. The Spanish goalkeeper has played every game for United since the start of February, a run that has helped him build his confidence after a baptism of fire culminated in Rovers' shock 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford on 31 December. Some of De Gea's performances in the last two months have proved pivotal in tight wins against the likes of Norwich City and most recently Fulham. "It took David time to adapt to the different ways of the English game as opposed to the Spanish game," admitted Sir Alex on Thursday. "The area where he was being criticised really was his aerial ability in the box. In the Blackburn game at Old Trafford, he should have dealt with the last corner kick better. He knew that. He has addressed that area and it’s a great improvement.’ "He didn’t let it [the criticism] get to him and the boy has just improved with every game. He’s playing with confidence. "The other night, he made two or three really terrific punches and blocks when Fulham started to propel the ball into the box. This showed the fantastic improvement he has made." http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-F...rguson-endorses-david-de-gea-improvement.aspx
@ReadingFC prospects @AaronTshibola8 and @jake__cooper are on trial with #mufc I'll wish them both luck, but would hate to lose them!! I saw that on twitter. this comment is in the wrong thread.
Sir Alex Ferguson still thinks the Manchester derby could decide the Premier League title despite the widening gap between United and City. Ferguson's men moved five points clear of their local rivals after Monday's 2-0 victory over Blackburn and have now won their last seven league matches. In contrast, City have won only one of their last four games and could be eight points behind the champions when they kick-off at Arsenal on Sunday. It is even conceivable that the title could be wrapped up by the time the two teams meet at the Etihad Stadium on April 30. But Ferguson told Northern Irish radio station U105.8fm: "Derby games are always important, and it could be even more important this year. "It's bound to have an impact on the eventual winner, albeit that we're going into it with a nice, healthy lead." And Ferguson was keen to highlight the contribution of Northern Ireland international defender Jonny Evans in recent months. Filling the void Evans has been asked to fill the void left by Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a serious knee injury in December, and has responded with a series of impressive displays. "He's been excellent," said Ferguson. "He's maturing, his form in the last two months with Rio Ferdinand has been absolutely fantastic and that's really important to have a partnership at the back that's consistent and playing all the time." Meanwhile, Ferguson revealed he will take his strongest available squad to Northern Ireland for the testimonial of former United goalkeeper Harry Gregg at Windsor Park on May 15. United will face an Irish League Select XI managed by Sunderland's Martin O'Neill and Linfield boss David Jeffrey to honour the 79-year-old Gregg, a hero of the Munich disaster. "We're bringing our strongest team over," added Ferguson. "For Manchester United to honour a player who, apart from (saving) his peers from the Munich air disaster, you've got to remember the career you've got to remember the career he had here. It's absolutely apt that we send our best squad." http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/20876/7650379/Fergie-City-clash-still-key
ALEX FERGUSON believes Manchester United’s title-winning pedigree has helped them leave their rivals trailing in recent weeks. I want Utd to win title at CityThe pressure’s all on Man City nowThe champions opened up a five-point lead over Manchester City this week — and it could be eight by 4pm on Easter Sunday. And while City have shown signs of cracking, United have taken everything in their stride. The City squad have plenty of experience but are short of players who have gone the distance in England’s top flight. In contrast, Fergie’s squad have plenty of Premier League winners’ medals between them. And the boss said: “It’s down to experience. It never fazes them and they can handle it. “Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are unparalleled of course, but Wayne Rooney has four title medals, Rio Ferdinand has five. “Michael Carrick has got a few and even people like Rafael have got two or three. “So it all adds to the experience — and that’s valuable at this time of the season.” United’s away form has also been a major factor. City have stuttered on their travels with a paltry two wins — and five goals — from their last nine. United have won 10 of their last 12 away. Fergie added: “Last season, we were fortunate as we had a great home record and only dropped two points at Old Trafford. But that was balanced out by the away form. “This season, we’ve picked up fewer points at home but away form has been much better. “We’ve had the most clean sheets away in the league this season and you need that.” Fergie is growing frustrated with Paul Pogba’s refusal to sign a new deal. City and Juventus are monitoring the situation with the 19-year-old midfielder http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...tml?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
More from Sir Alex: "We've got a good strong squad which we'll need with 3 games in 7 days - I'll be changing the squad around
#SAF on #Valencia : When you get players hitting form, their best form, at this time of season, it's a bonus."
Sir Alex on reported Valencia ankle op in summer: "I don't know where that story has come from. It's never been on the agenda or discussed."
SAF: "The surge fans can give us, particularly at OT, in the last 15 mins or so of games almost helps to suck the ball into the net."
Fergie presser: "Nani's trained all week. He's such a talented player and makes the squad that bit more stronger."
Fergie on QPR: "I don't mind if we have to wait until the last 10 minutes again like at Blackburn - as long we win."
Sir Alex on the fans: "They have been important over the years at this time of the season. They definitely give us an advantage
