Match preview from M.E.NRIO Ferdinand would settle for a repeat of the Champions League scoreline against Lille when United return to Premiership action at Craven Cottage tomorrow.
The Reds haven't conceded a goal in their last three league outings and another clean sheet would go a long way to helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side extend their lead over Chelsea to nine points with the champions in Carling Cup final action against Arsenal on Sunday.
United's miserly defence shut out the French in Lens and the defender says the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the table is driving the Reds on to keep another clean sheet in the Premiership tomorrow.
"Going nine points clear is a massive incentive for us," said Ferdinand.
"I'd be lying if I said we weren't thinking about that.
Threat
"We need to win the game regardless of how many points it puts us in front, but if we're sitting nine clear at the final whistle it'll be a great feeling."
The England defender is well aware of the threat Chris Coleman's side pose the Reds, however.
"It's a cliche but you don't get any easy games in this league and every match presents a different proposition," he said.
"This weekend we will be up against something different to what we've faced recently in McBride and Helguson.
"They're both internationals and good players so we'll be expecting a tough match.
"It's been a while since our last league game so we're all looking forward to getting back to it
"The players thrive on the pressure which comes at this stage of the campaign.
"The season can sometimes feel a bit long when you've only got one game a week, but the matches are coming thick and fast now and, hopefully, we'll be there or thereabouts when the trophies are handed out at the end of the campaign."
Ferdinand was delighted with the Reds' victory over Lille on Tuesday, but admits the tie is not dead yet with the second leg still to come.
"One-nil away from home in Europe against anybody is a good result," he said. "If we'd asked for a result beforehand, we'd have asked for a clean sheet and to nick a goal, and we managed to do that.
"But the tie is not over. We know they are very capable of scoring goals and they've got capable players.
"We know we're going to have to be on our toes in the next game and concentrate 100 per cent to have a chance of going through."
United have been installed as second favourites for the Champions League but Ferdinand said: "I'm not looking beyond the next game with Lille - do that and you can lose sight of where you're at, at that time.
Pressure
"So I'd rather just concentrate on the next game against Lille and take it from there."
Fulham have never beaten United at home in the Premiership and it is 43 years since they last enjoyed a home victory against the Reds.
United put five past Coleman's team on the opening day of the season and start favourites to increase the pressure on their rivals Chelsea.
However, Ferguson is set to make changes from the side that gained the controversial win in Lille, with Ronaldo a doubt after picking up a foot injury in France.
Fulham are without Italian loan signing Vincenzo Montella through suspension but ex-City youngster Michael Brown is back from his ban.
Fulham (from): Lastuvka, Volz, Rosenoir, Christanval, Knight, Diop, Queudrue, Radzinski, Brown, Routledge, John, Smertin, Davies, Helguson, McBride, Warner, Bocanegra.
United (from): Van der Saar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Sylvestre, Scholes, Carrick, O’Shea, Fletcher, Rooney, Giggs, Saha, Larsson, Solskjaer, Park.
Referee: Philip Walton (Northamptonshire).
Last season: Fulham 2 United 3
Key opponent: Brian McBride-effective striker, rated very highly by Fulham boss Chris Coleman.
Prediction: Fulham 1 United 2 - another must win game for the Reds, but Fulham will put up a fight at home.
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