Manchester United FC: Every games is a must-win now, Sir Alex Ferguson

Nov 23 2009 by Our Correspondent, Daily Post

Manchester United FC: SIR ALEX FERGUSON has admitted Manchester United must treat every game as “must-win” as they look to put pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea.

United had fallen eight points adrift of Carlo Ancelotti’s men prior to kick-off against Everton at Old Trafford and for half an hour they looked like the gap would prove difficult to close.

Darren Fletcher’s brilliant volley ended such fears and with Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia also finding the net after half time, the Red Devils were able to celebrate their biggest win since August.

“We have to look at all the games as must-win now,” said Ferguson.

“We need to get on a run and be somewhere near the top of the league by New Year’s Day. Then, in the second half of the season we can have a real go and give ourselves a chance.”

With their place in the Champions League knock-out phase secure already, Ferguson can make plenty of changes for Wednesday’s encounter with Besiktas and keep his preferred team fresh for the long trip to Portsmouth on Saturday.

It is a fair bet Fletcher will be involved at Fratton Park after another fine performance.

The United manager admitted Fletcher’s volley took him by surprise.

“Darren is an improving player,” said Ferguson. “Each year we have seen his performance level go up and up and it is still doing so.

“But I have to admit I did not expect that goal. It was really well taken.”

Patrice Evra has echoed his manager’s words, calling on United to win every game between now.

“It is a good win, a great result, it was not easy against a tough team like Everton,” Evra said.

“I think when we scored the second goal it killed the game and that’s why we won.

“It was not easy after the international break, we are a little bit tired, but I think we played with a lot of experience.

“We are five points behind (Chelsea) now and we have to win every game into December now as we have already qualified in Europe and the internationals are finished.

“We need to focus on the league because we want to win it four times in a row.”