Fergie hoping for anniversary present in derby

ALEX FERGUSON has said a 1-0 win over Manchester City would suffice as an 18th anniversary present at Old Trafford tomorrow.

It is exactly 18 years tomorrow that Ferguson headed south from Aberdeen to succeed Ron Atkinson, since when he has transformed the fortunes of Manchester United, delivering eight league titles, five FA Cup and, most famously of all, the Champions League trophy in 1999.

Apart from the troublesome early years of his reign when he was on the brink of getting the sack, the Scot is facing up to the most difficult period of his time at United.

Wednesday’s Ruud van Nistelrooy-inspired European triumph over Sparta Prague has done little to erase the memory of last weekend’s disastrous performance at Portsmouth.

The Fratton Park defeat left United nine points adrift of title favourites Arsenal and Chelsea, so even though the Premiership race has yet to run a third of its distance, Ferguson is already acknowledging style is a distinct second best to substance this weekend.

“Getting the three points is the most important aspect of Sunday’s game. Sometimes in derby games you are happy just to scrape through and if we win 1-0 I would be delighted.

“The main thing is we carry on what we started on Wednesday instead of allowing it to slip like we did at Portsmouth.

Ferguson is clearly not allowing himself the luxury of looking back over his illustrious career despite reaching such a significant milestone this weekend.

At 63, his hunger and desire remain as healthy as they were when he first walked through the door, since when his outstanding achievements have seen him crowned the most successful British manager of all time.

“It is hard to imagine anyone can stay with a club for 18 years, so you have to pinch yourself a little bit about it,” he said.

“But what is pleasing for me is to see the changes we have made over that time. One of the great qualities about this club is that it has never stood still. There has been a constant search for progress in every department since the day I arrived,” he said.

As he contemplates his latest challenge, Ferguson, with one significant exception, at least has all his squad available for virtually the first time this season.

Mikael Silvestre has returned to training after his recent virus, as has Quinton Fortune, who has recovered from a calf problem but who will only return for the Carling Cup tie with Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

The only other absentee is striker van Nistelrooy, who completes the final game of his three-match domestic ban.