Ferguson: United in box seat for title

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea and Arsenal are running out of games to pip them to the Premier League title.

All three teams have only five games left, with United six points clear at the top ahead of Saturday’s match against Everton.

“I think if we win on Saturday, there are only four games left,” Ferguson said.

“That’s the way I look at it because you run out of games eventually.”

“You have to recognise who is behind you and it is important to look behind yourselves.”

“We will use our experience and use our past to hopefully get what we want.”

Midfielder Darren Fletcher is nearing match fitness but will not be able to play at Old Trafford this weekend.

The manager said it would be a big boost for the side to get him back in the squad.

“Darren Fletcher is back training now and he will be available in 10 days,” Ferguson said.

“He has had a good week and will be a very important player to have back.”

“Darren has excelled in big games over the years because he has the knowledge and discipline to do whatever you want him to.”

“When he does come back he will go straight into the team.”

Everton have struggled with injuries of late but have still maintained decent form and are unbeaten in the last six games.

Ferguson thinks they have done well to not let that ruin their season.

“Everton have done exceptionally well when you take into consideration the fact that David Moyes has had a mountain of injuries in the last few weeks,” he said.

“They’ve been without the likes of (Marouane) Fellaini, (Mikel) Arteta, (Tim) Cahill and (Louis) Saha but still turning out the results.”

“He keeps them motivated and they are all trying.”

“They are bringing in some young players too which has freshened things up in the squad.”

“You will never have an easy game against Everton because it is a local derby in a way.”

“But our home record has been fantastic this season and hopefully that can continue tomorrow.”

Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard (knee) and midfielder Owen Hargreaves (shoulder) are definitely out for United.