Ferguson: Experience will be key

ALEX FERGUSON believes experience could become the decisive factor in deciding the title race this season after watching Manchester United overcome Hull City to close the gap on leaders Chelsea to just two points.

United were indebted to Wayne Rooney, who scored the opening goal and also created both others in an inspired display from the England forward. His only blip was conceding possession in the build-up to Hull’s equalising penalty. Rooney has taken his tally for the season to 14 and is well on course to beat his personal best of 23 in a campaign and Ferguson said: “Let’s hope he does it. He’s certainly got the talent to do that.

“If he stays playing the way he did today, with his penetration, then he is a real threat.

“He’s been a big threat to them all day. His penetration behind the back line was very, very good.

“He made a mistake, gave the ball away for the goal but it was his one bad moment in the game.

“He’s always got that great attitude and determination to do well. He’d be more sick than anyone that he made a mistake but he rectified that.

“There are some unusual results going around and come the second half, it’s looking like a very tight league. I think experience will come into it. In the run-in teams with experience who have been there all the time – Chelsea, Arsenal, ourselves – have that. Experience will be important.

“And the team that stays clear of injuries will also have an advantage. I’m hopeful we will have all our defenders back by the time the European campaign starts again, that will be important.”