Dropped points worry Fergie

Manchester United and Arsenal both need to buck up their ideas ahead of Monday’s showdown at Old Trafford, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I think we’re all probably analysing how we’ve dropped points – it’s the nature of the league. Chelsea, Arsenal and ourselves have all dropped points,” the United manager said.

In years gone by the Christmas period has been a season-defining one for clubs chasing the title but with United and Arsenal both dropping more points than usual, Ferguson says nothing will be decided just yet.

“In a normal situation you’d say this period is probably the most important part of the season but in the way this league has turned out, it’s difficult to assess,” Ferguson said. “Look at Sunderland for example – a few weeks ago they were third or fourth bottom.”

“Now they’ve had a bit of consistency and won a few games and are challenging for a European place.”

“That’s the way we used to consider things in the championship. In the title race you could win two games and be back in the play-off position and lose two games and be back down to fourth or fifth bottom. It’s that kind of league. It’s changed.”

Manchester United have several players returning to fitness and Ferguson should have a full squad to choose from.

“Everyone is fit. Paul Scholes started training on Thursday. It was just light stuff but hopefully he will be available for Monday and Rio [Ferdinand] should be fit as well,” he said.

“Jonny [Evans] and Wes [Brown] have had a bit of a virus that has been going around the place. We should have a full squad for Monday.”