Sir Alex Ferguson believes defeat in Monday's 'unmissable' Manchester derby would see his United side relinquish their grip on the top flight crown.
But United boss believes a positive result makes his side favourites
Sir Alex Ferguson believes defeat in Monday's 'unmissable' Manchester derby would see his United side relinquish their grip on the top flight crown.
The Red Devils make the short journey to the Etihad Stadium sat top of the Premier League table, but with only a three-point gap separating them from arch-rivals Manchester City.
United know they cannot afford to leave the home of their noisy neighbours empty-handed if they are to secure a 20th league title, with there only two games to follow after derby day.
Ferguson appreciates that defeat is not an option, with it imperative that the Red Devils take something from the tie and maintain the upper-hand in the race for the biggest prize in English football.
"If City beat us I think they will probably win it from there, even though they've got to go to Newcastle," he said.
"But if we win, we'll be strong favourites. Even with just a draw we'd be favourites and I think we would go on to win it from there.
Atmosphere
"We'd be happy with that but we will go there trying to win like we always do.
"Their crowd will be up for it, I'd expect them to be. But that's not unusual for us. My players thrive on that kind of atmosphere."
Ferguson claims he always knew the battle for top honours would become a straight shoot-out between City and United, but admits he would rather the title race did not hinge on a local derby.
He added: "I don't think any manager would choose a derby as a title decider but I thought that City would be our big challenge this year, particularly when I saw the early-season programme they had.
"People keep predicting this would be the best title chase of all time but I knew it would always come down to two.
"Now it's just us and City, and it won't be the last time we go head-to-head for trophies."
