PROVING A POINT

Last updated : 12 April 2006 By Ed

Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to the Mirror on how United seem to have turned their season around.

Reflecting on United's lowest point of the season, Fergie said: "We didn't succumb to the abuse, we didn't buckle and we came out of it. I like to think that at Old Trafford we keep our heads.

"Our performances lately have certainly been top-class, not just in terms of winning but also in entertainment terms. It's been exciting, and when we've had to dig deep we've done that, too.

"Several things helped us. Winning the Carling Cup helped and from there we've gone on this incredible run. We've also stabilised the centre of the midfield.

"We've decided on a midfield partnership and we've kept it that way more or less, with Ryan Giggs and John O'Shea playing alongside each other. And the players are scoring goals. Louis Saha's form has been great, as has the form of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ji-Sung Park.

"All the forward players are really excelling. We want goals and these players can provide that. And that has given us all a great deal of optimism. We've tried to build this team because we trust in the players we've got. With young players you don't get immediate results.

"Arsene Wenger experienced that himself in the last few months at Arsenal, and now he's reaping the rewards for his patience, as we are doing.

"It could really be a hell of a league next season."

He then had this rallying cry to the stands

"Fans have to draw on certain qualities themselves if they're to play the part I'm looking for between now and the end of the season," he said.

"At times against good teams the fans have to be patient, because nobody dominates a match for 90 minutes. But our fans can carry us right through the dramatic and challenging final stages of the championship race."