Ferdinand: Slow and steady wins the title
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand revealed that he was not concerning himself with Manchester City's performances and he is just taking it one game at a time.
The Red Devils play Everton on Sunday knowing that in David Moyes, they have a tough opposition manager. The Scot masterminded a victory over Manchester City that led to the subsequent rapid demise of City's lead in the title race.
And with City facing an easy encounter with Wolves and eyeing the upcoming Manchester derby on April 30 as an opportunity to reduce the deficit to just two points with a win, pundits are refusing to rule out City from the title race. It would require a number of results to go in the Citizens' favour but United are not considered as shoe-ins for the Premier League title just yet.
But Ferdinand does not care. He comically told a reporter that he would be happy to loft the Premier League title "in my own backyard" last week instead of getting an opportunity to do so at the Etihad stadium.
Ferdinand insisted that his team share his view and they are just concerned with doing a good job in the upcoming match against Everton for now.
"The key thing is that we have to win against Everton in order to even give ourselves that chance [of winning the title in the Etihad]," Rio told matchday programme United Review.
"All we're thinking about at the moment is that game, not what we can or can't do next weekend or the weekend after that.
"And Everton always give us a tough game so we need to make sure we do the job properly."
Ferdinand warned that Everton should not be taken lightly especially as January signing Nikica Jelavic has been in sparkling form recently. Buoyed by his goals and some improved performances by the rest of the squad, the Toffees have picked up victories against Tottenham, Chelsea and City.
"They've looked really good recently," Ferdinand agreed.
"Nikica Jelavic has come in and grabbed a few goals - he looks handy - and they're the sort of side who give their all for the manager.
"They're desperate to finish above Liverpool in the league this season, especially after losing to them last weekend. They're coming here with plenty to play for."
Ferdinand will have to ensure that his troops keep their focus in the game and get the required three points if he is to win his sixth Premier League winner's medal.