Fergie: No let-up in title race

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

United have eased into a five-point lead at the Barclays Premier League summit so even if they failed to beat Rovers at Old Trafford, Ferguson knows they could not be toppled.

"This game can kick you in the teeth," he said. "We lost a 12-point lead to Arsenal in 1998. That is a great reminder for us to keep going the whole road and not take rests. We don't need one anyway. These lads are young, fit and fresh. They can go the distance."

He added: "This (match) is as important as Tuesday night (against Inter Milan in the Champions League). We have to make sure we keep our focus on every game."

Wayne Rooney has already been guaranteed a start as Ferguson assesses the striker's chances of making the San Siro clash.

Jonny Evans could also be involved too given Nemanja Vidic is suspended in midweek.

The extent of the pain John O'Shea is getting in his sore heel will determine whether Evans plays at centre-half or right-back.

However, Ferguson certainly has plenty of options as his side try to pile the pressure on second-placed Liverpool, and in the process set a new European top-flight record by going 15 matches without conceding a goal and extend a nine-game winning streak.

"If you look too far ahead you can get yourself in a real tizz about things," reflected Ferguson. "We must concentrate on tomorrow because the league is a big issue for us.

"It sounds great - we have a five-point lead and a goal difference advantage of nine. But if you lose one game it doesn't sound too good at all."