Ferguson says United in ‘right place’ to turn the screw on City

Manchester City’s failure to win at Stoke yesterday means a draw against Fulham at Old Trafford tonight will be enough for United to reclaim top spot.

Ferguson will be after a win though as he looks to turn the screw on City, who he feels may be starting to get affected by the pressure that is exerted in the battle for major honours. We are in the right place, at the right time and, most importantly, with the right players,” he said. “After weeks trailing in second place we got our noses in front and I am sure our players are ready to put the pressure on again.

“Our guys have been flogging away and perhaps wondering if they would ever catch up. Well, we did and they are capable of going in front again as we battle it out with City. Neck and neck now and I’d say it was an ideal time to be up with the leaders with only nine matches to go in the race for the title.” Yet, despite City’s stuttering away form, it is going to take a high points total to secure a record 20th title. That United are in a position to achieve it is made all the more remarkable by the fact they were eliminated at an early stage from both European competitions.

In a week when Chelsea take on a Benfica side who proved too good for United in the Champions League, they must also cope with the knowledge of being comprehensively outplayed in both legs of a Europa League last-16 tie by Athletic Bilbao.

“We accept we were well beaten and we have deserved the criticism that has come our way in Europe this season,” said Ferguson. “I take my share of the criticism too with my selections. I took too many chances giving young players a run-out in an attempt to speed up their development and perhaps I asked too much of them.

“We always expect to qualify and, with that in mind, I perhaps pushed on too quickly in the Champions League. So we let the fans down and I won’t take as many chances next season.”

With Nani and Michael Owen both due to return to training this week, Ferguson is getting the majority of his squad back. Long-term absentees Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher are sidelined and there is some doubt as to whether Brazilian midfielder Anderson will recover from his hamstring strain before the season reaches its conclusion.