Ferguson eager to close the gap

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.

Nemanja Vidic's last-gasp strike allowed United to claim a 1-0 win over managerless Sunderland at Old Trafford, keeping them five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.

"If we get within two or three points of the top two by the turn of the year, we will have a marvellous chance," said Ferguson.

"It has not been easy for us but we have coped very well. Our form has been very good."

United head to Tottenham next Saturday before leaving for the Club World Cup in Japan.

However, they will do so without Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney, who like the Frenchman is also suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season for a foul on Teemu Tainio.

In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo is a doubt after suffering a heavy bang on his hip which eventually saw him leave the field in bizarre fashion, the Ballon D'Or winner booting the ball out of play and then walking to the touchline before Ferguson had a chance to even get a substitute stripped.

"He got real kick on the hip-joint, just like Wayne Rooney did last year when he was in pain for a while and missed a couple of games,'' said Ferguson.

"We will see what he is like on Sunday, although I was going to make changes for the Champions League game against Aalborg on Wednesday anyway."