United could close gap on champions

Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have developed the right attitude just in time for tomorrow’s crunch Barclaycard Premiership clash with leaders Arsenal at Old Trafford.

United could close the gap on the champions to just three points if they beat Arsene Wenger’s men, a scenario which looked unlikely following their derby defeat to Manchester City last month.

Ferguson’s side have not lost since their misery at Maine Road and have picked up seven points from three league games, including a crucial victory at Liverpool last weekend.

“The players have knuckled down and are playing with great spirit,” said the United manager.

“You can see that and it is good to see.”

Ferguson could have some of his key men back tomorrow with goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, Gary Neville, Laurent Blanc, Juan Sebastian Veron and Quinton Fortune all set to return after missing the Worthington Cup victory against Burnley on Tuesday night.

England defender Rio Ferdinand will again be sidelined with a thigh injury despite indications earlier in the week that he could be available. David Beckham, Roy Keane and Nicky Butt are again ruled out.

With Ferdinand sidelined and Blanc struggling for match fitness, Ferguson knows he could do worse than draft in David May after describing the defender’s display against Burnley as “excellent”.

It was only May’s second appearance of the season after injury and the 33-year-old helped steer an inexperienced side through a difficult cup tie.

The former Blackburn star is looking to secure a new deal at Old Trafford.

He told Manchester United TV: “Hopefully something will come about. I want to stay here, but if not then I want to stay in Premiership.

“I was quite pleased with my performance at Burnley, although there were a couple of things I could have done better.

“We’ve got another clean sheet and as a defender you can’t ask for anything more than that.”