Scholes can call the tune

Sir Alex could ask Paul Scholes to orchestrate another vital Barclays Premier League win when Fulham come to Old Trafford on Monday night.

The veteran campaigner gave one of his best-ever performances against the Cottagers back in 2009 and also scored his only goal of last season at their West London ground. With Martin Jol's side likely to try and keep things tight, Scholes may be asked to unlock the defence and provide the inspiration in midfield.

"He can dictate the tempo of games very well and the rhythm of our game," said the boss. "He has the experience which helps him do that. He has a terrific football brain. The reason he wanted to retire was because he wanted to play 50 games, not 25, he didn’t think that was enough.

"I said to him at the time he would play 25 games for me no problem, but he didn’t want that. Maybe he felt that was maybe me not giving him enough appreciation. What I was trying to do was look at it in a sensible way and think what do you get out of a 37-year-old? How many games can you get out of him?

"The way we control Ryan Giggs [in terms of games he plays] – he’s different from the rest and we’re treating Paul Scholes exactly the same now. There will be games where we maybe leave him out, but we also know the games he can play in."

Boss steeled for City threat

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Manchester City to be competing with United for trophies for at least the next decade.

The team from across town have spent fortunes to get themselves into a position of strength and the title race looks to be going down to the wire, with Roberto Mancini's men returning to pole position on Saturday evening - albeit after dropping two points at Stoke. The United boss accepts the challenge being laid down is a very serious one and appreciates that is almost certain to continue being the case for years to come.

"I think what we've got to get used to, and every United and City fan too, is that there's going to be big games involving the two teams - semi-finals, finals, whatever - for the next decade anyway," Sir Alex affirmed. "The two of us will be at the forefront. But I also think Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham can stabilise themselves and can have great teams in the future."

The manager has praised City for their sustained challenge this season but hopes United's superior knowhow could still prove decisive in the run-in.

"I think experience is important," he stressed. "It doesn't matter who you are, if you've been there before, it helps. It's not absolutely conclusive that it will apply this season though. You've got to admire City, they've done exceptionally well and have been top of the table for a long time. In many ways, they're in the driving seat in the sense that they've got us to come at the Etihad Stadium where they've not lost a game there."

Evans keeping focused

Evans keeping focused

Jonny Evans says it's vital the Reds do not let any complacency creep into the bid to secure a 20th league title.

Manchester City's point at Stoke on Saturday put the Blues back on top of the table, but the 1-1 draw at the Britannia ultimately meant it was two points dropped for Mancini's men. The Reds can take full advantage of the slip-up on Monday night with a home game against Fulham - a team with one of the poorest records on the road this season (indeed, they're the league's lowest scorers on the raod). Nevertheless, Evans insists United can take nothing for granted at this stage of the campaign.

"Every game is tough and we have to keep our concentration levels high to see out the next nine games," he told United Review. "We all feel in great shape fitness-wise and we know we have the ability in the team – it’s all about motivating yourself every time you step onto the pitch and being fully focused to get the three points."

Sir Alex's men hammered this evening’s visitors 5-0 at Craven Cottage in December, but Evans insists that result will count for nothing this evening.

"Fulham is usually one of our hardest away games, but we managed to raise our game when we went there and have done that a few times in tough away matches this season," he added. "That’s been a massive help for us with our points total up to now. It’ll be a completely different game tonight although we always feel confident at home. We need to make sure we put on a good performance and get the win."