Ferguson believes the league starts now

Fri Nov 20 2009 13:51:16

Sir Alex Ferguson is certain his side can claw back Chelsea's five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League.

Amid all the talk about the Republic of Ireland's World Cup exit, it has largely been forgotten that United were also adversely affected by a controversial refereeing decision at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago.

Referee Martin Atkinson's failure to spot Didier Drogba hauling over Wes Brown as John Terry nodded home a late winner has left the Red Devils with a big job on their hands if they are to win the league.

The one thing in Ferguson's favour is this week's matches represent the end of the international season apart from one midweek match at the beginning of March.

"Probably the league will start now," he said.

"You will get some sort of consistency and we won't be worrying about which players are coming back from international duty, where they have been and arranging flights for them to come back in time."

He added: "We have got them now right through until March. We are delighted with that."

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