Alex's title dream
21/ 4/2007

GETTING his hands back on the Premiership crown would be bliss for Sir Alex Ferguson.

After four years seeing the League trophy residing in London the Reds' boss appears to crave the title above all else in United's Treble chase.

With two semi-finals legs in the Champions League away from the final in Athens and a Wembley FA Cup date booked a 1999 repeat is very much on the cards.

But 'Champions of England' again is the honour driving Fergie on.

"You hope you are going to win a major trophy every year and there is a possibility that we are going to win one of them," he says.

"With an immense amount of luck we could win three. But if we win the league I will be quite happy about that."

To that end United could re-open a six-point gap over Chelsea at tea-time against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford ahead of the title-holders visit to Newcastle tomorrow lunchtime.

Honest

"The incentives are great for both teams. I don't know where the advantage lies to be honest now, says Fergie having seen Chelsea continually reduce the deficit with their one-match in hand.

"They have got to win their games and we are exactly the same. The table shows our consistency of has been terrific. We are three points clear and have a massive goal difference.

"Chelsea maybe expected us to be on their tails this season. Jose Mourinho said early on we'd be their main challengers. But we have turned it round and now they are chasing us.

"Chelsea had set the benchmark quite clearly for us and we had to match it or beat it to make sure we win the league.

"The bar has been raised. Arsenal were undefeated three seasons ago.

"Chelsea have won the last two titles and with 91 points last season which was a terrific total.

"We could total 95 points if we win their remaining five fixtures.

"That is the marking card now. You have to reach that kind of total to realistically win the league.

"I know Jose Mourinho was praying we'd get injuries and we got them so we have done him a favour! Hopefully there is no more.

"It doesn't matter which teams win the league, there are always moments of nervousness," said Fergie.

"But the main thing is the players are enjoying it, and I am enjoying watching them.

"We will need a bit of luck. I have always had that any time I have done well. And what we need now is to keep this group fit for the rest of the season.

"If we do that, then we have a real big chance."

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iGod