Fergie starts title mind games

Ferguson: Knows what is required

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Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Liverpool's lack of title-winning experience in recent years will hinder them this season.

The Manchester United boss has led his side to back-to-back Premier League crowns in the last two years, an achievement which has taken his impressive haul to 10 in total.

The Scot believes regularly challenging for silverware will put his side in good stead once again this term, with the Red Devils currently looking to bridge the seven-point gap which separates them from league leaders Liverpool.

With two games in hand that deficit could be cut to just a solitary point, and Ferguson believes nerves could then start to get the better of their Anfield rivals.

"There's no doubt that in the second half of the season they will get nervous," he said.

"With the experience we've got, having won a couple of titles in the past couple of years especially, it helps you. There's no doubt about that.

"They're going into the unknown, and if you make mistakes, then you are punished."

Liverpool have not taken the title since 1990 and would see United equal their record of 18 top-flight crowns should they surrender their lead at the summit this season.