Sir Alex issues Spurs warning

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that United will get off to winning ways against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Reds have drawn with Reading and Portsmouth and lost to Manchester City in the opening three games of the season. And in United’s title defence, Sir Alex admits the team has already given itself an uphill task. But he’s confident that the Reds’ poor luck cannot continue.

"We will win the game on Sunday," he said confidently. "Our performance level will win the game for us. There is no question Tottenham will come here with a great determination to help their manager. But with the ability in this team, I know the results we have been having will not carry on for long."

The Reds boss remains upbeat despite the disappointment of last week’s derby defeat, although he was significantly heartened by the performance and dominance of his team. "Has there ever been a derby game in history where the home side did not win one corner?” he said incredulously. "I am perfectly aware winning is the name of the game, and we do not like losing. But everyone played with great intensity and commitment, and their passing was excellent. It was just the finishing that let us down.

"You just have to ride along with it. There is no point me deserting players who have proved their ability at the top level of the game. So, what is the issue? The issue is that - because we are not winning games - there is a different slant on everything. I understand that. It’s the opposite of last season’s good start in terms of results. But performance-wise, we’ve done really well.

“We had the worst result. But if there is a saving grace, it’s that Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all dropped two points. That in some way helped to ease the pain.”

Source: Manchester United Official Website