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Continuity Is The Key For Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson is demanding that United’s back four become a tighter defensive unit.
Rio Ferdinand has shored-up the Reds’ rearguard since his comeback; United haven’t lost with the 26-year-old defender back in the team.
But Ferguson is asking for even greater consistency from his defenders.
" We need to get a solid back four performance," Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio. " We need that back four performing all the time now."
The Reds have scored nine and conceded seven so far this term. Comparatively, Arsenal currently have a goal difference of +19 compared to United’s meagre +2. It is the starkest indication of why Fergie´s side lie nine points behind the Gunners.
" We can´t be leaking goals and giving teams an easy ride."
Sir Alex Ferguson
Van Nistelrooy, Rooney, Smith and Saha are almost certain to improve the goals-scored column and, with that in mind, Sir Alex is looking for a settled back four to provide a stepping stone to a run of victories.
" We can´t be leaking goals and giving teams an easy ride. That will be the foundation for us to win matches," he added.
On Saturday United face Birmingham, managed by former Reds defensive stalwart Steve Bruce.
Bruce’s side have lost only once at St Andrews this term, while United have picked up just five points from a possible 12 on the road.
Ferguson is likely to continue with the back four he used against Fenerbahce and Middlesbrough; the central pairing of Ferdinand and Silvestre flanked by Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze.