Alex: We're one step closer

31/01/2007 22:16, Report by Ben HibbsSir



Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson says United have the bit between their teeth as the title race enters its most crucial stages.

With thirteen league games remaining, the Reds are still six points clear of nearest rivals Chelsea and Sir Alex is pleased with the way his side is shaping up for the season’s final straight.

“There are 13 games left, it’s one game less and another goal better off than our rivals,” he told MUTV. “You can see with the team that they have the bit between their teeth. There is enthusiasm and confidence there.”

A 4-0 win over Watford turned out to be a stroll in the park as United slowly broke down the Hornets’ resolve at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

“It was comfortable,” added Sir Alex. “It was one of these games where Watford set out to defend and it was very difficult at first because they put so many men behind the ball. I thought that the first goal might have opened things up, but it wasn’t until the second half that Watford had a more positive outlook. That opened the game up for us.”

United had a glut of goalscoring opportunities, but Sir Alex felt sometimes there was a tendency to over elaborate. “We missed chances,” the boss conceded. “But at 4-0 you have to be satisfied. It’s a good scoreline.”

Just as pleasing was that the manager was able to give valuable playing time to players not been in regular action recently, like Gabriel Heinze, Kieran Richardson, and John O’Shea, while Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo both look in impressive form. “Ronaldo was fanastic," he added. "And with Wayne, if he starts to score single goals in games, that could be a tremendous difference for us.

“I made some changes to the team, but that will be important because when it gets down to it, the players are fresh because they have got football under their belts.”