Fergie´s old guard keep United buzzing

Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United’s unquenchable thirst for success is built on the example set by his old stagers.

The reigning Premier League, European and world champions are on course for another trophy-filled season and it is United’s more senior members who are providing the impetus.

Last season, United’s double triumph owed much to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. But now over-30s like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville are rolling back the years with some influential displays.

Long-serving winger Giggs and England right-back Neville have both been rewarded with new one-year contract extensions for their efforts and Ferguson said: “These lads are the spirit of Manchester United.

“If any young player asks how they can keep playing until they are 35 they can look at those three players with confidence.

“Their performance level and drive has never changed. They will never play anywhere else but here and we will see what happens next season because if they keep their performance level up they will be here for another year.”

Neville’s new deal represents a major triumph for the 34-year-old after he spent almost 18 months on the sidelines battling a broken ankle, followed by various serious muscular problems.

“Gary never had the talent of Ryan or Paul. But he has this determination to make sure he will always be in the team. Every training session he always tries to improve,” Ferguson said.

“To come back the way he did after 18 months out was absolutely fantastic. There was a great concern for him because, after so long, it is not that easy.

“But it is a demonstration that he is never going to give in. He is an amazing man.”

United host Blackburn on Saturday having dropped just two points at home all season, won their last nine games and not conceded a goal in 14 – a run which will give Edwin van der Sar a European record if it reaches the 89th minute of match number 15.

A win would move them eight points clear of Liverpool, who face Manchester City at home on Sunday, and Ferguson concedes they are on pole position.

“You should not get carried away because this game can bite you,” Ferguson said.

“What happened in 1998 should be a great reminder for us about going the whole road and not taking rests.

“We don’t need one anyway. These lads are young, fit and fresh. They can go the distance. We just have to make sure we keep our focus on every game.”

United’s attempt to retain the title has been helped by Chelsea’s implosion. Ferguson expects new manager Guus Hiddink to take several weeks to restore the club’s equilibrium after replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari, which will leave the Blues out of the running.

“When a new manager comes in, it does take him a bit of time to get things going,” reflected Ferguson.

“There is no doubt Guus Hiddink has absolutely fantastic experience and has also had great success. But 10 points behind Manchester United at this point in the season is a lot.

“They have their work cut out, not just to overcome us but to overcome Liverpool too. If those two were the ones challenging for the league, Liverpool would fancy themselves.”