Ferguson: Title race can go down to the wire

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not mind if the Premier League title race goes down to the final day of the season.

Ferguson says just having to beat Blackpool at home to clinch the title is something he would have taken in August.

A win at Arsenal on Sunday would almost certainly put the title beyond the reach of nearest challengers Chelsea.

“I would be happy if we got to the last game of the season needing to win to claim the title,” Ferguson said.

“Even though Blackpool are fighting against relegation and will be tough opposition, you would have taken that scenario at the start of the season.”

“I think there is still drama ahead and the teams at the top will drop points – including Chelsea.”

“I have been a bit surprised Arsenal have fallen away but Chelsea were the dark horses in the sense that people seemed to think they were out of it.”

“Looking at the fixtures, I thought they had the easier run-in and now they are on our coat-tails.”

Ferguson has admitted his team misses the ‘Ronaldo factor’ they possessed a couple of seasons ago.

United play less attractive football than before Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid in 2009 but are top of the Premier League and in a commanding position in their UEFA Champions League semi-final after a 2-0 first leg triumph in Schalke.

“This team might not have the ‘Ronaldo’ factor, but it does not understand the word defeat,” Ferguson said.

“It is determined, gritty and very professional, and it’s produced some great moments.”

“It is not as if we have been devoid of that fantasy. Some of the football we’ve seen from the players this season has been terrific.”

Manchester United will be without goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard knee) and midfielder Owen Hargreaves (shoulder).