Fergie predicts tight finale
02 Mar 2008 - 11:57:56
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is predicting a tight title race after seeing his side close in on leaders Arsenal with a 3-0 victory at Fulham.
United came within seconds of reclaiming top spot only for Arsenal to snatch an equaliser from their own 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa during a dramatic Saturday in the Premier League.
However, Ferguson was delighted with the performance from United as he opted to rest the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo with half an eye on Tuesday's Champions League knockout tie against Lyon.
Strikes from Owen Hargreaves and Ji-Sung Park plus a Simon Davies own goal secured the points for the champions at Craven Cottage.
"It's been a bit of a see-saw and now it is down to one point but Chelsea are still right on our coat-tails. It looks as if it is going to be a fantastic run-in," admitted Ferguson.
"I didn't think it was a great game at Fulham. It was a very windy day and a lively pitch but I think we did the job very professionally.
"We switched the team around and gave Rooney and Ronaldo a break. So it is a good day for us.
"You've got to have faith in your squad. You've got to trust your players. That's why we've brought them here. Look at the ones we've left out. (Michael) Carrick, (Ryan) Giggs and (Nemanja) Vidic would get a game for any team. They are all top players.
"The important for us is to keep our momentum going. The players are showing a great appetite to play and the team spirit is very good.
"Results like those in the last two games against Newcastle and Fulham will only help that."