The Irish utility man has helped United to make an excellent
start to the season, including five wins out of six games at Old
Trafford. He's determined to help the Reds maintain this home run,
especially as November brings two top four sides to
Manchester...
How important was it to win the October home games against
Newcastle and Liverpool?
Very important. We improved our home form last season but if we're
going to be champions we'll have to improve it again. It's
certainly achievable and that's what we're all striving for - to go
on a long winning run at home.
How disappointing was the only home game you haven't won so
far... Arsenal in September?
It was a good wake-up call for us. We'd been comfortable and played
well in the four league games leading up to the match and we
thought we could go out against Arsenal and do the same. But
against the teams at the higher end of the league you really have
to be focused and perhaps we weren't as focused as we have been in
years gone by. We know we can win the big games, there's no doubt
in our minds about that, we just have to ensure we're 100 per cent
focused in future.
Sir Alex believes the results between the main four teams
will determine where the title ends up this season. Do the players
expect a clash like Chelsea on 26 November to be a real
six-pointer?
Yes and no, because at the same time you need to make sure you pick
up points in every game, not just the big ones. The top four teams
are all going to take points off each other, so it's important
you're doing well and winning the tricky games in between. Those
are the ones that really win you titles.
You made your debut in the League Cup seven years ago - and
it remains an important competition for United's young players.
Like Giuseppe Rossi, for example, who scored in it last week for
Newcastle...
Yes, and it'll be great for us if he comes back full of confidence
on the back of scoring goals. I know for a fact that if he's given
a run in the team he'll do that. I'm just glad he didn't play
against us in the Premiership
What are your personal aims for the
campaign?
My main aim is to help the team do well and play as many games as
possible. The manager said to all of us before the season started
that he's got a tough job on his hands to pick the team for each
match, but he stressed the fact that we're going to need everyone
in it together if we're to have a chance of winning
titles.