Long way to go in title race - Fergie
Alex Ferguson has warned runaway leaders Chelsea that Manchester United have no intention of giving up the Premiership title fight just yet.
The Red Devils still trail Jose Mourinho’s men by 10 points and, while tomorrow’s encounter with West Ham at Upton Park is certain to be an emotional occasion coming so soon after the death of George Best, Ferguson knows United must be fully focused on gaining victory.
Having ended Chelsea’s 40-game unbeaten run at Old Trafford earlier this month, Ferguson has waited in vain for the Blues to drop more points.
But despite the Stamford Bridge outfit’s imposing advantage, Ferguson has not given up hope of them slipping up again – and he wants his side to be in a position to take maximum advantage.
“Things change quickly in football and the championship race is far from over,” he said.
“Chelsea have had a few breaks, as we did when we were storming along in our treble year, but maybe their luck will dry up a little.
“What we have to do is use the performance we produced against Chelsea as a barometer for the future. It is no use beating them if we fail in subsequent games.”
Ferguson got the response he was looking for at The Valley last weekend with a clinical display against Charlton.
It was United’s fifth away win in seven Premiership outings this term, a stark contrast to their results at Old Trafford, where they had managed just one win prior to the Chelsea victory.
Having failed to account for Villarreal in midweek, the inconsistencies which have plagued the Red Devils this term have clearly not gone away.
But Ferguson is convinced the twin return of Gary Neville and Louis Saha will ease the burden on the young players of whom so much has been demanded this term.
“Because of the injuries, we have been playing a very young side,” said Ferguson.
“Six of the squad against Chelsea were 21 or under and it is asking a lot to get consistency into such a raw team.
“When you are at full strength you are able to give the younger people a break, pull them out and keep them fresh.
“As it is, I have had to keep playing them and from time to time, in certain matches, it has showed.
“In terms of the Premiership, I have always felt we would get stronger once we got more of our experienced players back.
“The return of Gary and Louis give us a presence and experience and that can only help us as we approach one of the busiest times of the season.”
With the emotion generated by the loss of probably the finest player ever to wear United’s famous red shirt still fresh, Ferguson will hope the famous collective Red Devils spirit comes to the surface again.
Although news of Best’s death had not been announced as the United boss looked ahead to the Hammers encounter, his view of the sense of community within Old Trafford is even more relevant at such a difficult time for the club.
“There has always been a terrific sense of character within this club,” he said.
“There is a strong sense of family, with players prepared to dig deep when they realise we are looking to them for a special effort.”
Although a repeat of United’s Best-inspired 6-1 title-winning triumph at Upton Park in 1967 is extremely unlikely, Ferguson’s side will be looking to mark the occasion with a victory, although he acknowledges it will not be easy against Alan Pardew’s progressive side.
“It is going to be a very difficult game because West Ham have had a fantastic start to the season,” he said.
“They have a lot of history themselves, good tradition, nice stadium and some terrific players.
“But we have had good results against Chelsea and Charlton and hopefully we can keep that run going.”
