Ferdinand Focused On Top Prize

Rio Ferdinand is looking for Manchester United to make the most of their lofty standing and enjoy a faultless finish to the season.

The reigning Premier League champions have put themselves in pole position to defend their crown with just nine games of the season remaining.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side, having played catch-up for much of the campaign, hold a narrow one-point lead over arch-rivals Manchester City.

Ferdinand admits it is now up to the players to ensure that there are no late wobbles, with a 20th top flight title within their reach.

"We're in the position at the minute that we want to be," he told Sky Sports News HD.

"We want to be top at this stage of the season, but more importantly we want to remain there until the end of the season.

"I think this is a vital period, each game is a must-win game. At the moment, if we win all of our remaining games until the end of the season, we will be champions. That's what we're going out to do."

United hope their vast experience of title chasing will play into their hands, with Ferdinand revealing that the club's desire to be the best burns as bright as ever.

Asked for the secrets behind the club's success, he added: "Maybe experience and the desire that comes from the manager.

"He wants to win and he has been here 20-plus years, so if he still wants to win, why can't people who have been here 10, five, two years, one year? They have got to have the same belief and fire in their belly to want to achieve that as well.

"We've left ourselves in a position where we are going to be a couple of points behind or on top. Right now we are top and we have got to finish it off.

"There is no better feeling at the end of the season than sitting there and knowing you have got a winners' medal hanging around your neck. Those are the memories that you think about and drive you on to achieve things and try to be a part of this club's history."