Fergie puts the title on old

LEGEND ... the hairline may be receeding but the star quality isn't

ALEX FERGUSON has always been the manager to give youth a chance.

Wayne Rooney already seems like a veteran goalscorer at 24, with 276 United appearances under his belt and 129 goals.

But 68-year-old Fergie is convinced it is the old heads at Manchester United who will carry them to a record 19th title.

The Red Devils regained top spot ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Fulham.

SCHOLES ... veteran

Now - with just eight games to go - Ferguson is banking on the know-how of his multi-medal- winners to be the difference.

Ryan Giggs, 36, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, both 35, and Rio Ferdinand, 31, have enough silverware to bail out a bank and the experience that brings is priceless to Fergie.

He said: "Experience will certainly be crucial.

"The lads who have been there and done it before will help us.

"Their know-how will be very important for us as the season gets really interesting."

Ferguson has a maximum of 13 games to go now, domestically and in Europe. And he added: "There's a big programme of games coming up and we'll be making changes when we need to."

The Scot has called on his side to win each of their eight remaining Premier League games but some look more difficult than others.

United host Liverpool on Sunday, plus they go to Manchester City on April 17 in what promises to be a red-hot local derby.

But it is the April 3rd home encounter with Chelsea that really whets the appetite. Scholes said: "This match is crucial because there's such a big prize up for grabs. This could have a big impact on the title race.

"But every game's important. The teams at the bottom are fighting for survival and we need to make sure we beat them as well."

While Ferguson talks up his golden oldies it is the incredible goalscoring of Rooney that thrills.

His 32 strikes so far give United an extra advantage in the title race in terms of goal difference.

Victory in the Premier League this season will not only mean United go ahead of Liverpool and stand alone with 19 titles - but they will become the first English club to win four titles in a row.

Ferguson said: "It would be a fantastic achievement. The opportunity is there for us and we are all aware of that."

But the Old Trafford chief knows there can be no slip-ups if they are to do that. It means the 3-1 defeat at Everton last month has to be the last.

That was United's sixth in the league this season. But since then they have played three league games, the Carling Cup final and one in Europe - winning all of them, scoring 13 and conceding just the one goal.

Fergie said: "The defeat at Everton was down to a bit of tiredness after our exertions in the San Siro.

"It is all about consistency now.

"I have set us a title target: Win every game between now and the end of the season!

"Obviously it's a big ask, but that's what we must aim for."

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