Time for Manchester United to hit top form: Ferdinand

LONDON - Star defender Rio Ferdinand has said that the time has come for Manchester United to hit top form before Premier League leaders Chelsea inrease the points gap between the two teams.

United is the only team unbeaten in the Premier League this season, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s side still trails reigning champions Chelsea by four points.

Ferdinand said United must now embark on a sustained winning run starting at Aston Villa today to keep pace with Chelsea and ensure they remain in the title hunt, the Mirror reports.

“The fact we’re only four points behind Chelsea gives us hope that, once we do hit top gear, we’ll have a real chance of winning the title,” said Ferdinand.

“But it’s alright saying we’re going to hit top gear, we have to do it right now. We know we’re capable of going on a long winning run and we’ve just got to make it happen.

“We’re unbeaten his season, which says a lot for us. It shows we’re tough to beat, but we’ve got to turn those draws we’ve been getting into wins,” Ferdinand said.

“The most important thing for us at the moment is to win games. Going on a long unbeaten run is great, but we could draw our next 20 games and still not win the league.

“I’d rather win 15 games, lose a couple and draw a couple. Unbeaten runs are great if you achieve something, but if you don’t win anything then it’s no good,” he said.

Ferdinand admitted United must rediscover their defensive solidity if they are to stay in the mix for the title this season, The Mirror reports. (ANI)