Fergie relishing title fight

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side will thrive being near the top of the English Premier League in the New Year.

United claimed a 2-0 win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Sunday, which kept the pressure firmly on rivals Manchester City, who are two points clear at the top of the table.

The win also extended their unbeaten league run to eight games – with their last defeat coming in the 6-1 derby humiliation at Old Trafford against City – and Ferguson insisted his side have what it takes to defend their title.

“The important thing is to be there (near the top) on New Year’s Day,” Ferguson said.

“If you’re involved right at the top part then you know the second half of the season, we’ll relish that.”

Wayne Rooney scored United’s first goal after just 52 seconds, before Michael Carrick doubled their lead with a fine individual effort in the 56th minute.

Ferguson, who was content with the 2-0 scoreline, said his team should have recorded a bigger win.

“If you said before the game, ‘Would you take 2-0?’, of course we would. But on the evidence of today, we should’ve scored a lot of goals,” the Scot said.

“Queens Park Rangers in their home games have been a real problem to a lot of teams, but we kept them quiet for most of the game and we played some terrific football at times, and I’m pleased with that.”

Meanwhile, QPR boss Neil Warnock rued his team’s mistakes, after they gave away possession in the lead up to both United goals.

“The two goals disappointed me, it was two square passes in midfield and they punished us both times,” he said.

“We talked about being sloppy in there, but didn’t take heed of it and have been punished.”