Ferguson 'senses' record fourth title in a row

Sir Alex Ferguson made his first declaration yesterday that he senses a record fourth successive Premier League title, with the scrapping 1-0 win at Wolverhampton last Saturday the clearest evidence to his mind that his side can beat Chelsea in the race.

"I think the record we're chasing is four titles in a row and that would be fantastic," said the manager, whose side entertain Fulham tomorrow. "It would be the 19th title, the most in the league. It doesn't matter who you beat to that, it's a record. We have got a chance. I think that the game last Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers was the best indication of our chances.

"We've had these kind of games over the years where the players are prepared to battle it out against a very determined team on a very lively surface and they were never going to lose the game. That was a good indication for me and I enjoyed that."

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has said that his work to overcome a long-standing back complaint "is still taking time," despite a more assured performance in midweek, and that he has had to adapt his training regime. "I knew I would have to adapt," said Ferdinand. "Once you get to 30 years old you have to adapt your training. I just think about staying positive and staying on the pitch."