By James Dall Last updated: 20th March 2008
Ferguson: Ready for run-in
It's nip and tuck now. I think it's going to go to the wire. Chelsea will be key because they have got us and Arsenal at home.
Sir Alex Ferguson.
Quotes of the week
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects this season's race for the Premier League title to go down to the wire.
Ferguson's side moved three points clear of second placed Arsenal on Wednesday after a brace from the seemingly unstoppable Cristiano Ronaldo recorded a 2-0 success over Bolton at Old Trafford.
Chelsea were also in action on Wednesday evening, however they missed out on the opportunity to go level on points with The Gunners - and three behind United - as they played out a 4-4 thriller at Tottenham.
This weekend's Grand Slam Sunday sees The Red Devils host Liverpool, while Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge as they lock horns with Avram Grant's Chelsea - both clashes can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.
And with five points currently separating the top three, Ferguson has called for consistency from his players as they ready themselves for a pivotal stage in the campaign.
"The important thing was that we had the opportunity and the incentive to go three points clear of Arsenal, our nearest pursuers," Ferguson said.
"It's nip and tuck now. I think it's going to go to the wire. Chelsea will be key because they have got us and Arsenal at home.
"It's a lead, it's not a significant lead but it's a lead nonetheless.
"With eight games to go the team who plays with the most consistency now will win it."
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 15th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Aston Villa vs Wigan |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Man City |
| 15:00 | Bolton vs Sunderland |
| 15:00 | Chelsea vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Everton vs Arsenal |
| 15:00 | Man Utd vs Birmingham |
| 15:00 | Portsmouth vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Stoke vs Burnley |
| 15:00 | Tottenham vs Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Wolverhampton vs West Ham |
| Tuesday 18th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Birmingham vs Portsmouth |
| 19:45 | Burnley vs Man Utd |
| 19:45 | Fulham vs Blackburn |
| 19:45 | Hull vs Tottenham |
| 19:45 | Sunderland vs Chelsea |
| 19:45 | Wigan vs Wolverhampton |
| Wednesday 19th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Liverpool vs Stoke |
| Saturday 22nd August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Portsmouth |
| 15:00 | Birmingham vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | Burnley vs Everton |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunday 24th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Aston Villa 1 - 0 Newcastle | |
| Blackburn 0 - 0 West Brom | |
| Hull 0 - 1 Man Utd | |
| Man City 1 - 0 Bolton | |
| Sunderland 2 - 3 Chelsea | |
| Fulham 0 - 2 Everton | |
| Arsenal 4 - 1 Stoke | |
| West Ham 2 - 1 Middlesbrough | |
| Wigan 1 - 0 Portsmouth | |
| Liverpool 3 - 1 Tottenham | |
| Monday 18th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Portsmouth 3 - 1 Sunderland | |
| Sunday 17th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Chelsea 2 - 0 Blackburn | |
| West Brom 0 - 2 Liverpool | |
| Saturday 16th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Newcastle 0 - 1 Fulham | |
| Bolton 1 - 1 Hull | |
| Stoke 2 - 0 Wigan | |
| Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Tottenham 2 - 1 Man City | |
| Everton 3 - 1 West Ham | |
| Man Utd 0 - 0 Arsenal | |
Skysports.com takes a look at striker Michael Owen's career to date following his Man United switch.
Skysports.com assesses Michael Owen's possible free transfer to Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo says that if Real were willing to pay £80million for his signature then it is a 'fair' price.
Wolves have made their sixth signing of the summer after bringing in Marseille defender Ronald Zubar.
Michael Owen has declared his ambition to break back into the England squad following his move to Manchester United.
Real Madrid-bound striker Karim Benzema has revealed he turned down the chance to join Manchester United.
Felipe Melo's agent has stressed that the midfielder has not opened talks with another club.