Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: West Ham United clash vital in Premier League title race

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stressed the importance of Saturday’s game against West Ham United, saying a consistent run of results is required to secure the Premier League title.

Although Ferguson’s team had a two-week international break, United are still looking short in defence with the defensive absences of Jonny Evans through suspension and injured parties Rio Ferdinand, Rafael, John O’Shea and Wes Brown.

United, however, will be boosted with the return of captain Nemanja Vidic, and it looks as if Fabio may get the nod to start at right-back.

The Red Devils visit Upton Park with a poor record of only six wins in their last 17 visits, and Ferguson believes the game will be of great significance come the end of the season.

“The big one is Saturday, because we are depleted in one area of the pitch defence,” said the United boss.

“With eight games to go, you can’t exclude anyone. Whoever is the most consistent will win this league.

“But we should not over-stretch ourselves in terms of looking forward – this game is as important as any.

“I thought the two-week break would bring a few of our injured players on. It has, but not enough for them to play against West Ham.

“We are considerably short for the right-back position. We have to solve that – and find the right solution.”

Rio Ferdinand, who recently lost his England captaincy, has been plagued with injuries this season, and Ferguson faces a tough decision whether to risk playing the central defender against the Hammers.

“Rio has started training,” said Ferguson. “He has only been training two days and then just a light session today.

“I have to decide whether we bring in him tomorrow, or give him a day off and start him on Wednesday again.

“He is more likely to be fit for the Fulham game.”

The United boss was pleased with the decision of England’s Fabio Capello to release many players from international duty after the Wales game – including Wayne Rooney – rather than keep them on to play Ghana in the midweek friendly at Wembley.

“It was good thinking by Fabio to allow the England players to go back to their clubs with the programme they have got coming up,” said Ferguson.

“He deserves some credit for that.”