Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie expecting tight finish

20 Mar 2008 - 07:41:49

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his players not to get carried away by a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

A first-half double from Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to see off Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at Old Trafford, with United coping well with the absence of Rio Ferdinand due to a back problem.

Ferguson said afterwards: "The important thing was that we had the opportunity and the incentive to go three points clear of Arsenal, our nearest pursuers.

"It's nip and tuck now and I think it's going to go to the wire. Chelsea will be key, because they have got us and Arsenal at home.

"It's a lead, it's not a significant lead, but it's a lead nonetheless.

"With eight games to go the team who plays with the most consistency now will win it.

"It was not a great performance, but it was necessary to make those changes as Rio Ferdinand is doubtful for Sunday with a back problem.

"I had to find out about Gerard Pique. We've got great confidence in the lad and he's come through very well.

"At times we were a bit relaxed in the second half, but when we speeded up the game and played with great penetration at times, we could have scored a few more goals."

Ferguson also added special praise for matchwinner Ronaldo, who has now netted an incredible 33 goals for United this season.

The Scot added: "It's fantastic and speaks volumes about the player, it's amazing that he can do that playing in the position he does."