We can't afford to lose a game, says Ferguson

The Scot's side certainly have the momentum and face Tottenham tomorrow at White Hart Lane having won nine of their last 10 league games.

Despite that great run, United are clear of Arsenal only on goal difference while Chelsea lie just four points adrift.

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With 14 matches left, Ferguson said: "I have to look at where the dangers are and say to myself will they go through the season undefeated as Chelsea and Arsenal have done in the past.

"I am taking nothing for granted. We may have to. It is getting very tight now."

Mischievously, however, Ferguson claims he could do with a helping hand in his bid to keep Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Chelsea's Avram Grant at a safe distance.

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That's why the Old Trafford boss has one eye on the African Nations Cup in Ghana.

He admits he would love to see a final between the host nation and the Ivory Coast, so that key players from their title rivals are prevented from making a quick return.

Arsenal pair Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are away with the Ivory Coast as are Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou.

Grant is also missing Michael Essien as he is helping Ghana's cause. Ferguson said: "It is my wish the Ivory Coast and Ghana make the final and keep the players occupied.

"Avram Grant and Arsene Wenger know fine well what I am hoping for. You have to be selfish in a case like this.

"Can you get a replay in the final of the African Nations Cup? That would be good!"

Ferguson looks poised to freshen up his side following the 2-0 victory against Portsmouth in midweek.

Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves are all keen to return to a team that chalked up four straight league wins in January.

Former England midfielder Paul Scholes could retain his place after making his first start in three months following a knee operation.

Ferguson said: "When you see Scholes coming back and what he brings to a game, it is absolute joy.

"He makes so much time for himself. He brings order and composure to our play. That is a big bonus for us.

"We have a number of good options in midfield. The one I feel sorry for is Darren Fletcher as he cannot get a game.

"I need to integrate him in the team as he is good big-game player and everyone will have a role to play as the season goes on."

Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to improve on his impressive 27-goal tally with punters still talking about his free-kick in midweek.

Ferguson said: "The balls do move a bit but his striking of the ball is superb.

"The art of free-kicks today is to get it over the wall. The nearer you are, the harder it is to do that.

"We have always had one particular free-kick taker, players like Denis Irwin, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

"They all enjoy it and you know you can win games from those free-kicks."

United are looking to complete a double against Tottenham inside a week after knocking them out of the FA Cup.

Ferguson expects an open game. "There are usually goals there, so goodness knows what will happen tomorrow.

"There is a wind of change at Tottenham - you saw that last Sunday.

"It looks as though Juande Ramos has changed certain things, including diet.

"That is something I noted when I came here and he is absolutely right in what he is doing."