My big guns will bounce back, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson's side suffered penalty shootout heartbreak against Everton at Wembley yesterday which resulted in United's Quintuple bid biting the dust.

But Ferguson insisted his side will bounce back and Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar, who were all rested on Sunday, will feature against Portsmouth.

"We move on," said a defiant Ferguson today.

"The FA Cup is gone. Now we focus on the Premier League and Champions League. There are seven Premier League games left.

"We want to whittle them down one by one and that's our intention."

Leaders United, bidding for their third successive title, are one point ahead of nearest rivals Liverpool with a game in hand. But they could be replaced at the top if Rafael Benitez's side defeat Arsenal at Anfield tomorrow.

Having already secured the Club World Cup and Carling Cup, Ferguson admitted that his side's attempts to land further silverware this season was being hampered by a new problem.

"It is tiredness that we are trying to deal with now," added Ferguson. "We're entering a very busy spell where it's game after game after game."

Ferguson also played down any concerns that Arsenal might field a weakened team against Liverpool.

Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea, Arsene Wenger's only hope of landing any silverware this season rests with the Champions League.

Arsenal face United in the semi-final, first leg at Old Trafford next week.

"I'm not thinking about what team Arsenal might or might not field tomorrow," added Ferguson.
"No matter what side Arsenal field, they will try. I'm not concerning myself with tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand (left) today claimed referees are not awarding United enough penalties because of pressure from rival players and managers.

Official Mike Riley chose not to give United a spot-kick despite Phil Jagielka appearing to foul Danny Welbeck as he rounded goalkeeper Tim Howard. Ferdinand said: "I don't know how the referee didn't give it to be honest but that is the way it goes. We don't get many penalties these days. Referees are reluctant to give us penalties and I think they are being put under pressure by different people in the media through interviews and stuff."

For Everton, yesterday's victory marks a massive step towards a tangible reward for the considerable progress that the club have made during manager David Moyes's seven-year spell in charge.

And captain Phil Neville challenged his
team-mates to complete the job against Chelsea next month.

The former United midfielder said: "I expect to win trophies — I don't want to see out my career with the trophy cabinet closed.

"You get nothing for finishing fifth or sixth
in the League, for losing in a Carling Cup
semi-final to Chelsea or going out to Fiorentina in Europe. The next step is to win a trophy and we have got to do it."