Ferguson wants more from United

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on Manchester United to hit the accelerator in the Premier League title campaign ahead of today's home game with Hull City.

Powered by automated translation

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on Manchester United to hit the accelerator in the Premier League title campaign ahead of today's home game with Hull City at Old Trafford. United have the chance to jump above Chelsea and current leaders Arsenal and go top of the table for the first time since October with victory over the relegation strugglers, and Ferguson wants his team to step up a gear at Old Trafford.

"You have to win your games now," he said. "Top of the league is the best place to be. Our game is the only one in Premier League so it is an opportunity for us." "We are in a tough league and if you go on a consistent run you are going to have a great chance because teams are dropping points." Ferguson has been boosted wth the return of Rio Ferdinand for today's clash. The England defender has been out for almost three months with a back complaint that dates back to beyond last season's Club World Cup trip to Japan.

"This is the time to bring him back," said Ferguson. "We have gone through the whole situation with him in terms of enough training and endurance work. It is a big boost because the defence has been the weakest part of our game this season. "At various times we have lost Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar, John O'Shea. It has been a rough time, so to get them back can only be good for us."

United though should have striker Dimitar Berbatov available after his recovery from a dead leg Hull City's new loan signing Amr Zaki will not be available for the game as a consequence of a lack of match fitness. However defender Kamil Zayatte is expected to be despite an ankle injury. The problem requires minor surgery but that is likely to take place next month. Jimmy Bullard (knee) is likely to be out until the end of the month.

* With agencies Manchester United v Hull City, 7pm Showsports 2