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Fergie urges United to keep calm for title run-in

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-04-25 07:58

Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney (left) vies with Everton's midfielder Leon Osman during their English Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on Saturday. Man United won 1-0. [Photo/Agencies]

The 1-0 win over Everton boosts team ahead of Champions League match

MANCHESTER, England - Sir Alex Ferguson urged caution as Manchester United kept its Premier League title charge firmly on course.

A hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday, United's 13th successive home league success this season, left Ferguson's leader just two wins away from a record 19th domestic title.

Javier Hernandez's goal piled the pressure on second placed Chelsea, who remain six points behind despite their win against West Ham, and gave United a huge boost ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semifinal first leg against Schalke in Germany.

Yet Fergsuon, who is chasing his 12th Premier League triumph, was careful not to get too carried away.

"We need to keep our heads down," Ferguson said. "There's only four games left now and the way we're going about our business gives us an outstanding chance.

"Does my team feel like champions to me? Yeah. There's a winning attitude about them and a determination. You can test characters with these qualities. They refuse to give in."

United can seal the title in front of its own fans against Chelsea on May 8 if it wins at Arsenal on May 1.

"It puzzles me that people keep saying that we've still got to play Arsenal and Chelsea as if we're going to lose them," added Ferguson.

"Why can't we win these games? Why should people say that we can't beat Chelsea at home or go to the Emirates and win? As I said to the players, forget all that rubbish and just win your games."

Ferguson, who rested defender Nemanja Vidic against Everton and started with Patrice Evra on the substitutes bench, reported no fresh injury worries ahead of next week's game with Schalke.

Agence France-Presse