FERGUSON PREDICTS FIRST WIN
Sir Alex Ferguson has boldly declared Manchester United will gain their first victory of the season against Tottenham.
With two draws and a defeat from their opening three matches, the Premier League champions could find themselves in the relegation zone by the time they face Spurs on Sunday.
While no one expects Ferguson's men to remain in that position for long, the United boss has already claimed his men face an "uphill battle" to retain their title.
Having already fallen five points adrift of new championship favourites Chelsea and seven behind surprise early-season pace-setters Manchester City, Ferguson knows his team cannot afford to falter again.
The Scot recognises Tottenham will be difficult opponents, probably nursing a sense of grievance over the treatment of their manager Martin Jol. Yet Ferguson is convinced United will ultimately emerge victorious.
"We will win the game on Sunday," he said.
"Our performance level will win the game for us.
"There is no question Tottenham will come here with a great determination to help their manager.
"But with the ability in this team, I know the results we have been having will not carry on for long."
Given the performance level United have reached so far this term, Ferguson can barely believe the meagre points tally they have amassed.
Although last weekend's Manchester derby ended in defeat, in every aspect of the game - other than the goals column - the Red Devils were totally dominant.
"City did not even get a corner," Ferguson reflected.
"Has there ever been a derby game in history where the home side did not win one corner?
"I am perfectly aware winning is the name of the game, and we do not like losing. But everyone played with great intensity and commitment, and their passing was excellent. It was just the finishing that let us down.
"You just have to ride along with it. There is no point me deserting players who have proved their ability at the top level of the game.
"So, what is the issue? The issue is that - because we are not winning games - there is a different slant on everything. I understand that."
A win for United would merely pile more pressure on Spurs boss Martin Jol, whose future at White Hart Lane has come under intense scrutiny this week amid reports that Seville coach Juande Ramos had been lined up to take his job.
After coming close to appointing Jol as his assistant three years ago, Ferguson is a confirmed admirer of the Dutchman and sees no reason to point out his many coaching attributes.
But he is a bit startled at the way he looks to have come so close to losing his job just three games into the season.
"The work Martin has done is outstanding, and he does not need me to trumpet his abilities," said Ferguson.
"In a way, his situation is similar to the one I faced when I came to United in 1986.
"Tottenham is a club with a fantastic football history. They produce fantastic players. But they have not won the league for 45 years, which creates an expectation.
"You need time to change round a massive club like that. It is only his second full season. He did a terrific job last year - and he has bought well.
"I am just sad there is such a knee-jerk reaction in football today."
With so many trophies behind him, Ferguson knows he will never be put under such pressure over a couple of bad results.
However, he is keenly aware the demand for victories at Old Trafford means Sunday's clash is now a key game.
Striker Louis Saha is expected to be on the bench, after finally overcoming a long-term knee problem - while Edwin van der Sar is also available after scans on the foot injury he suffered in training with Holland on Tuesday showed nothing major.
Ferguson is set to introduce Brazil international Anderson into his starting line-up for the first time, completing an all-South American attack with Carlos Tevez.
However, there will be no Gary Neville because the Red Devils captain has been ruled out for another two weeks after picking up a thigh strain - which is virtually ends his chances of being involved in England's Euro 2008 double-header with Israel and Russia next month.
"It is a frustrating one for Gary, possibly caused by a bit of over-training," said Ferguson.
"He had done everything right and was looking really good. But he did a bit extra and has picked up a strain that will probably keep him out for a couple of weeks, which is a blow."
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