Fergie: Harry the right man for Rs

Premier League: QPR v Man Utd

The Hoops have averaged a point a game since Redknapp took charge at Loftus Road immediately after their first meeting with United at Old Trafford in November.

Yet it is a measure of the perilous situation they were in before Redknapp was installed as Mark Hughes’ successor that they remain four points adrift of Wigan at the bottom of the table — and, more importantly, seven behind Aston Villa, who sit just above the relegation zone.

Given the massive investment owner Tony Fernandes made, both getting Redknapp to Loftus Road and then bringing in even more players in the last year, it looks like a lavish outlay is about to backfire badly.

Ferguson realises he can make the problems even more acute this weekend.

However, he is convinced if anyone can drag Rangers out of the mire, it is his old friend Redknapp.

“It is not easy when you are down at the bottom of the league,” said Ferguson. “Harry will be the first to admit that.

“It may have helped him if he had gone a bit earlier. But with Harry’s experience and ability to judge players, he will have a better chance than most in that situation.”

The task facing QPR today is to halt the slide immediately or risk tumbling into near oblivion. Clearly, these are not concerns to bother Ferguson.

His only task this weekend is to engineer a victory in west London that would put United 15 points clear at the top of the standings 24 hours before closest challengers Manchester City take on Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

“We are going down there hoping to win. That is what our job is,” said Ferguson.

“QPR are fighting for survival and we know it is going to be a hard.

“But that type of thing is what we need anyway. We need to keep the awareness on making sure we do our job right.

“These games have to be treated exactly as we would Real Madrid or anyone else.

“That is the only way we can approach them.

“But there is a brilliant spirit in the place and a good determination.

“With the right attitude and the right players, we have a chance.”