Fergie - Race will go to wire

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fully expects the Premier League title race to go down to the last day of the season.

The Red Devils moved back to the top of the table on Sunday with goals from Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-Sung securing a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

Fernando Torres headed the visitors into an early lead before United hit back to climb two points clear of Arsenal, with Chelsea battling the duo for the crown this term.

Ferguson believes the experience of his side, particularly in defence, could prove to be a telling factor in the final weeks of an enthralling season.

Magnificent

The Scot told Sky Sports: "If I can keep (Nemanja) Vidic and (Rio) Ferdinand fit we have a marvellous chance against anyone.

"Vidic in particular today was absolutely magnificent. We have a very experienced back four and goalkeeper so it gives us a really outstanding chance.

"It could very well go to the wire, I don't have any doubts about that. You look at the run in for both teams and there are important games coming up, so I don't see how it can't go down to the wire."

Ferguson felt Javier Mascherano should have seen red for pulling back Antonio Valencia, with a penalty awarded and a yellow card issued by referee Howard Webb for an offence which began outside the box.

Rooney saw his shot from 12 yards superbly saved by Jose Reina before slotting home the rebound as it fell kindly at his feet, but the United boss believed Mascherano was lucky to stay on the field.

He added: "I though it was a red card. I don't see how anybody could have stopped Valencia from shooting.

"Carragher was maybe seven yards away to the side, and there is no way he could have stopped the shot. That is a goalscoring opportunity as far as I'm concerned."

Vital role

And the Old Trafford supremo reserved special praise for South Korea international Park, who dived to bravely head home Darren Fletcher's superb cross on the hour mark.

Ferguson said: "It was a very tight affair, Liverpool are very good at stopping you playing. Fortunately we've scored a tremendous goal through Ji-Sung Park who played another vital role for us today.

"He has got that great energy, and that is why we can play him in these positions. He can fill the midfield role when the other team have the ball, and when we have possession his movement off the ball is fantastic.

"We've also seen his ability to adapt to different roles because his intelligence and discipline are superb. No matter where I play him I can get a certain role out of him."