Sir Alex Ferguson believes the destiny of the English Premier League title race will be decided by the outcome of Manchester United’s trip to face leaders Manchester City at Eastlands on April 30.
United manager Ferguson is convinced his side took a major step toward retaining the English crown with the hard-fought 3-1 victory at Tottenham on Sunday.
The champions were outplayed for long periods but capitalised on two defensive errors by Spurs before Ashley Young capped victory with his second goal of the game.
Ferguson admitted his side rode their luck, but believes the form shown by United since the turn of the year confirms they are stepping up the pressure on City, who sit two points clear at the head of the table.
“We have had all the big teams since January including City and Liverpool in the FA Cup,” Ferguson said.
“We have come through that and credit to the players. They have played well in most of the games. Today was a bit disappointing but the one thing we did do was show the determination to get the result.
“We have had it in the past. No question, we have come from certain games knowing we have had a bit of luck.
“But Tottenham are a very good side and this is only their second defeat at home since the start of the season. Every game they play 58 per cent possession – that’s a big, big percentage, that.
“It was a massive result and a massive performance by our defenders.”
United face City at the end of April for their third last league game and Ferguson said: “I think it will be (the title decider), yeah.
“It is difficult to say because things can happen. You can drop points. You can drop surprise points. I think that will happen. I think both teams will drop points. But the important thing is not to drop as many as your opponents.
“We have the experience. We won’t get nervous. The battling performance we did today against a very, very good team tells you that we are well up for it.”
Wayne Rooney put United ahead against the run of play just before halftime and Young struck in the 60th and 69th minutes to wrap up the points.
Jermain Defoe produced an 87th-minute reply but it was too late to affect the outcome.
Back-to-back defeats have left Tottenham sitting in third place, just four points ahead of Arsenal, who lie fourth, but manager Harry Redknapp remains convinced his side will hold onto their position.
“It’s going to be tight for the top four but I’d still rather be where we are than where Arsenal are,” Redknapp said.
“They’re four points behind us and we’re going for third.
“I’d be disappointed if we finished fourth. I’d be more disappointed if we finished fifth.”
