Fergie puts the title on old

Wayne Rooney already seems like a veteran goalscorer at 24, with 276 United appearances under his belt and 129 goals. But 68-year-old Fergie is convinced it is the old heads at Manchester United who will carry them to a record 19th title.

The Red Devils regained top spot ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Fulham. Now - with just eight games to go - Ferguson is banking on the know-how of his multi-medal- winners to be the difference.

Ryan Giggs, 36, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, both 35, and Rio Ferdinand, 31, have enough silverware to bail out a bank and the experience that brings is priceless to Fergie.

He said: "Experience will certainly be crucial. The lads who have been there and done it before will help us. Their know-how will be very important for us as the season gets really interesting."

Ferguson has a maximum of 13 games to go now, domestically and in Europe. And he added: "There's a big programme of games coming up and we'll be making changes when we need to."

The Scot has called on his side to win each of their eight remaining Premier League games but some look more difficult than others. United host Liverpool on Sunday, plus they go to Manchester City on April 17 in what promises to be a red-hot local derby.

But it is the April 3rd home encounter with Chelsea that really whets the appetite. Scholes said: "This match is crucial because there's such a big prize up for grabs. This could have a big impact on the title race. But every game's important. The teams at the bottom are fighting for survival and we need to make sure we beat them as well."