United not home and dry yet, warns Ferguson

LONDON (AFP) – Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says the Premier League title race is far from over despite seeing his side move 15 points clear of Manchester City after a 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers.

Manchester United’s Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United at Loftus Road in London on February 23. Manchester United won the game 2-0. AFP

With 11 games remaining, and City due to face third-place Chelsea on Sunday, Ferguson’s side are in a dominant position, but the manager refused to declare his side to be champions-elect.

“We’re in a better position today (Saturday) than we were yesterday,” he said.

“It’s one game less and it’s really important and the way we can approach it is by winning the next game and then trying to win the next game and seeing where it takes us.”

Rafael da Silva set United on course for victory at QPR with an outstanding opening goal before Ryan Giggs marked his 999th appearance in senior football with the second 10 minutes from time.

Ferguson praised the contribution of Rafael, the young Brazilian full-back, who is emerging as a key figure in the league leaders’ line-up.

“He has three goals for us this season. The lad has had an absolutely magnificent season and is maturing all the time,” Ferguson said.

And he added: “Ryan’s got a good record of scoring here. This is maybe his fourth goal here. It was a crucial time because anything can happen with 10 minutes left – it only takes a second to score a goal.