No late wobbles, says Fergie

ALEX FERGUSON has no fears of a late collapse and expects his team to march on to their 20th title.

Manchester United’s 2-1 derby defeat on Monday saw their lead cut to 12 points with seven games to go as champs City gave themselves a flicker of hope.
United winger Antonio Valencia even admitted to a few jitters at Old Trafford, having blown an eight-point lead with six games left last season.
But boss Ferguson is convinced they will see the job through and wants his players to set the ball rolling again with victory at Stoke tomorrow.
Ferguson said: “The most important thing is having confidence and trust in my players, and that’s absolutely 100 per cent for me.
“The challenge at the start of the season was to win the league back and at this moment in time our consistency has been brilliant.

Video:

Roberto Mancini is feeling sorry for himself

Football

ALEX FERGUSON has hit back at claims from Man City boss that teams do not try against Man Utd

“There is absolutely no other way you can look at it.
“We’re one goal short of 100 this season, which mirrors the success of the team overall.”
United’s trip to Stoke is followed by a midweek visit to West Ham before a home clash with lowly Aston Villa the following Monday.

Video:

Beating Man Utd makes losses hurt more

Football

MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini frustrated by defeats to lower-placed sides this season

Their last four games are away to Arsenal, home to Chelsea, home to Swansea and away to West Brom.
They need a maximum of three wins and a draw from those last seven to take the title.
And Fergie added: “I think we’ve got some nice games to look forward to. It’s a good time of the season for us.”
But he is not expecting an easy ride in what will be an intense atmosphere at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke have won just once since Boxing Day and under-pressure Tony Pulis is desperate to keep them out of the bottom three.
Ferguson said: “It’s still always a difficult place to go to. Ask any manager and player, you know you have to perform to get a result there.

Video:

Alex Ferguson hits back at Roy Hodgson

Football

MANCHESTER UNITED boss says club will always come first over international call-ups

“It’s a ground where they have great support. The atmosphere is guaranteed, so we have a job to do.
“They’re strong physically, their set-piece play is good, their long throw-ins are legendary... you have to deal with these situations.
“You can’t quieten that crowd — it’s one of the noisiest in the league and they deserve that because they have progressed really well over the years.

Video:

Mancini: Man Utd win was good - but title is gone

Football

SKY BLUES boss hopes last week's win can help his side push on to beat Chelsea and grab FA Cup glory

“I don’t think they will go down but they are in a precarious situation because at the bottom of that league you don’t pick up a lot of points.
“They have QPR next week and Norwich the week after and that’s a big chance to get the points they need.”