We're hard to beat! Ferdinand warns rivals as United set sights on top spot

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated:

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Manchester United's professionalism insisting they are refusing to get complacent in their pursuit to retain the Barclays Premier League title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side closed the gap to league leaders and arch-rivals Manchester City to two points following their impressive 3-1 win over Tottenham.

England defender Ferdinand believes the manner of the champions' winning performance at White Hart Lane typifies the belief and determination his team-mates have to regain top spot.

Title roar: Rio Ferdinand has hailed his Manchester United team-mates following their win over Spurs

Title roar: Rio Ferdinand has hailed his Manchester United team-mates following their win over Spurs

'Last year, I don’t know what it was. It could have been complacency, expecting to win games whereas at the moment we’re being very professional,' Ferdinand told MUTV.

'We're hard to break down, hard to beat and we know that we’ve got players on the break who can beat anybody. [White Hart Lane] is a tough place to come. Spurs are a team with talented players.

'We've had that over the years; we've never had an easy win here. We knew we had to work hard and they made us work hard for the win.'

With his usual partner Nemanja Vidic expected to be out for the rest of the season, Ferdinand has forged a decent pairing alongside Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans.

Hard to beat: Ferdinand believes United have been defensively solid of late

Hard to beat: Ferdinand believes United have been defensively solid of late

Despite failing to keep a clean sheet in four consecutive games, the 33-year-old praised United's defensive display, and added praise for much-maligned goalkeeper David de Gea.

'You’ve got to make sure you defend well if you’re going to come away with anything,' Ferdinand added.

 

'Jonny played really well again, and I thought the whole team defended well, to be honest.

'David de Gea’s made some good strides in goal. He’s learning, he wants to be a better keeper and wants to improve, and that’s vital in a young player’s make-up.'

United's attentions now turn to Thursday's Europa League last 16 first leg tie against Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.


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