Alex Ferguson's fired up by City heartache as he looks to clinch title No13

 
P57 Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson
PA
Nik Simon22 April 2013

Manchester United will secure the Premier League title tonight if they beat Aston Villa.

If United do win a record 20th championship — and the 13th of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign — it will be only the third time they have had it wrapped up in April.

And the United boss believes the pain of losing out to Manchester City on goal difference last season has provided added motivation.

United have only lost once in the League to Villa since 1995 and Ferguson is desperate to lift the title at Old Trafford after the disappointment of last year.

“We had a big job to do,” said Ferguson, whose side are 13 points clear at the top. “The way we lost it, and the fact it was City, gave us an incentive.

“You have to admire the focus we have shown this season. We are resilient and the consistency has been good. Like all the previous teams, they never give in. That is a fact.

“It is the history of the club more than anything. Once they have been here two or three years, the players buy into it.

“These are the qualities that have helped them to be where they are just now.”

And even if United do lift the trophy tonight, Ferguson vows his side will continue to push on in a bid to break Chelsea’s points when they amassed 95 under Jose Mourinho in 2005. “There won’t be any slacking off,” said Ferguson. “[The record] is not beyond us at all. Can Manchester United win five games in a row? How many times have we done that?”

Ashley Young will miss out on a return against his previous club due to injury while Rio Ferdinand is expected to feature again in central defence.

Ferdinand’s contract expires this year but Ferguson hinted the defender could stay on at the club after revealing his plans for a testimonial at the start of next season. “I have spoken to Rio,” said the 71-year-old. “I would imagine the best thing for him would be to stay but at this moment in time he is more concerned about getting an opponent for his testimonial game.

“But we want him to stay at the club and I am sure his representatives will be talking about that with David [Gill].”

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