Post by Scott on May 6, 2006 19:11:09 GMT
"We have an opportunity against Charlton to get three points to secure second place and automatic entry to the Champions League," said Ferguson.
"The alternative is not worth thinking about.
"We're disappointed we haven't scored a goal in our last two home games, especially as we had a great run going and the form and confidence of the team was good.
"We were the only team who put a bit of life back in the Premiership title race in the last few weeks, in terms of trying to catch Chelsea.
"The end of the season has certainly been a lot more interesting than a lot of people had expected earlier on in the campaign.
"We have to finish second, there's no question about that, and hopefully a good determined performance will get us there.
"It's typical United, we tend to do things the hard way but I'm sure we will get the right performance on Sunday, we will be much fresher."
Whilst United were unable to mount a sustained challenge on Chelsea this season, despite a late flurry, Ferguson says the signs are positive for next term with a batch of impressive young players emerging at Old Trafford.
"We know that with the development of the team we're going to be a force next season," Ferguson added.
"So there have been plenty of positives to take recently, not least seeing the younger players at the club doing well.
"The difficult thing is the balancing act of integrating them into our squad without losing the winning momentum."
"The alternative is not worth thinking about.
"We're disappointed we haven't scored a goal in our last two home games, especially as we had a great run going and the form and confidence of the team was good.
"We were the only team who put a bit of life back in the Premiership title race in the last few weeks, in terms of trying to catch Chelsea.
"The end of the season has certainly been a lot more interesting than a lot of people had expected earlier on in the campaign.
"We have to finish second, there's no question about that, and hopefully a good determined performance will get us there.
"It's typical United, we tend to do things the hard way but I'm sure we will get the right performance on Sunday, we will be much fresher."
Whilst United were unable to mount a sustained challenge on Chelsea this season, despite a late flurry, Ferguson says the signs are positive for next term with a batch of impressive young players emerging at Old Trafford.
"We know that with the development of the team we're going to be a force next season," Ferguson added.
"So there have been plenty of positives to take recently, not least seeing the younger players at the club doing well.
"The difficult thing is the balancing act of integrating them into our squad without losing the winning momentum."
