Ferdinand hoping for quick finish to title fight

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is hopeful his side can seal the Premier League title before they play Manchester City next month.

Ferdinand’s side have kicked clear of City at the top of the league, setting up a potentially season-defining clash between the two at Etihad Stadium on April 30.

“We’d like to have it wrapped up before then (the game with Manchester City) but who knows?” Ferdinand said.

“It makes for a great run in to the end of the season and for the fans out there watching the game whether they support us or are against us or just mutual it must be great for them but for us we’d love to have had it wrapped up games ago.”

Ferdinand says winning the title would make the 2011-12 campaign a positive one, despite miserable failures in the Champions League and Europa League.

“We want to finish the season on a high and we want to win the league and if we do then it will be a successful season,” he said.

“Europe has been disappointing this season and that’s there for everyone to see. There’s a lot to improve on next season in Europe but we can’t really think too far ahead yet. We’ve got to try and wrap this season up first and in good style.”