Next Game

A-League All Stars v Man Utd

Saturday, 20 July 2013, 16:00

Friendly Match

The Hawthorns

Last Game

West Brom 5 - 5 Man Utd

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Ferguson demands full focus

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is adamant his side will not allow complacency to deny them a 20th league title.

Last Updated: 17/03/13 at 10:36 Post Comment

Sir Alex Ferguson: United are just 13 points from winning a 20th league title

Sir Alex Ferguson: United are just 13 points from winning a 20th league title

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

A 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday evening thanks to Wayne Rooney's deflected first-half goal moved the Old Trafford club to within 13 points of winning the Premier League.

The title is therefore within touching distance but, having seen his side blow an eight-point lead in the last six games of last season, Ferguson is demanding full focus.

"You don't get points and medals for being complacent and we won't be," he told MUTV. "I think the players are conscious of the importance of the games now and that concentration, which has improved, has helped us do that [in terms of keeping clean sheets].

"I think, before the game, we always thought that winning was the important thing today.

"It wasn't a great performance but where we are today is not down to today but the last six months.

"The team has shown great consistency and played a lot of great football. Our goal difference is big over City now - 13 goals. It's a great position to be in but the only thing we can do is win our next game."

The Premier League now goes on hold for the international break and Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will meet up with England after his surprise recall.

Ashley Young is expected to be fit to also join the Three Lions squad on Monday night despite being substituted with an apparent knee problem against Reading.

Ferguson has already bemoaned his United squad suffering from fatigue and the international break is consequently far from ideal for the Scot considering they travel to Sunderland on 30th March for a lunchtime kick-off, and Chelsea 48 hours later for their FA Cup quarter-final replay.

"With the problem I've got, a lot of players are away on international duty and play two games," said Ferguson, who made eight changes to his first team to face Reading.

"They come back and we've got a lunchtime game against Sunderland on Saturday and then it's lunchtime again against Chelsea on Monday.

"Why have we got a squad if we don't use it and we did today."

Ferguson added: "We are making arrangements for some players to fly home by privately hired jet after their matches to make sure they get home as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

"Tiredness is a great leveller but we'll do our utmost to make sure we field the freshest possible teams.

"Private planes are going to cost the club an awful lot of money but it is something we feel we have to do."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Brighton apologise to Crystal Palace for dressing room 'vandalism'

Brighton have apologised to Crystal Palace for the "vandalism" in their dressing room before last week's play-off semi.

Hodgson waits on Cleverley

England are waiting to find out if Tom Cleverley will be fit to face Republic of Ireland and Brazil after calling Jack Rodwell into the squad.

Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Liverpool are lining up a free transfer move for Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, according to reports on Monday evening.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved