MANCHESTER, England — Sir Alex Ferguson handed his Manchester United team an 84-points target in order to reclaim the English Premier League (EPL) title from Chelsea, beginning with a win at bottom-of-the-ladder Wolves on Saturday.
United’s bid for a record fourth consecutive top-flight crown was dashed by the west Londoners last season and Ferguson’s squad is determined to make amends this term.
The Red Devils, who sit top of the EPL on 54 points, currently lead Arsenal by five points and are on a club record-equaling unbeaten run in the league of 29 matches.
A new landmark would be set by avoiding defeat against Wolves and Ferguson feels 10 wins from the club’s remaining 14 matches will be enough to secure a record-breaking 19th title.
“If we can do that [win another 30 points] then we’re in with a chance,” said Ferguson. “Whether it’s winning home or away, it’s about getting enough points to get over that line. I think 84 points would definitely win the title. I’m almost sure of that, so we’ve got another 30 points to find.”
United faces cross-city rival Manchester City on Feb. 12 before a tough schedule with trips to Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal and a crunch home game against Chelsea.
“We are going to find that in the run-in there are going to be some interesting games for Manchester United. We have a little lead but that can vanish overnight,” Ferguson said.
“Manchester City [is] in a challenging position in that top four. Chelsea, Arsenal, ourselves and Tottenham, we are all in there battling.”
He added, “Our job is to retain that consistency and relish what we are going to experience. This is a great time to play football knowing you have an opportunity to win the league.”
