Sir Alex Ferguson admits shock at Manchester United's 15-point advantage - The Independent

Sir Alex Ferguson is shocked Manchester United are 15 points clear in the Premier League title race. Subsequent Manchester City's collapse at Everton prior to the international break, United require only 13 more things from their remaining seven games to clinch a record 20th tournament. They might not need that numerous given City visit Old Trafford on April 8, and the sensation is Ferguson has set his sights on eclipsing United's report 18-point winning margin from 2000. It's truly been the greatest recovery from having the title seized from their understanding by Sergio Aguero with almost the very last kick of the prior plan. And one which Ferguson didn't expect. "With Manchester City coming on the scene in the last couple of years and Chelsea and Arsenal and Tottenham, you have groups vying for that top-four position," Ferguson told Sirius XM. "I expected it to be really small. "The first position was that after last season, we wished to make sure on target difference it was not lost by us, and that's increased substantially. "But I never thought we would be 15 points clear at this time of the season." It has given Ferguson some freedom with his options over the Easter weekend, when United end up pitched in to two essential activities in the room of 48 hours. Following Saturday's lunchtime trip to Sunderland - which may go United 18 points obvious given City aren't doing his thing until somewhat later - the Red Devils must get ready for Monday's FA Cup quarter-final replay with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. As you of the participants not being bothered by global responsibility, Rio Ferdinand should expect major engagement following his controversial day at Qatar, whilst Ryan Giggs, Nemanja Vidic and Anderson also needs to be fresh. "Every coach is wishing that their players keep coming back fit," said Ferguson. "They performed last Friday and they're playing today. Once I know later tonite how many minutes each player has played, I'll begin to think of my staff for Saturday. "I have to make sure I have some freshness in the staff because we also have Chelsea on Monday lunch. "It is really a big ask for our group and something we need to concentrate on because I need to ensure I find the right teams." Meanwhile, Ferguson has reiterated his claim that Paul Gascoigne could be the person he most regrets missing out on. Gascoigne is wanting to piece his life back together after another bout of drinking that left lots of his friends fearing for his future. No-one knows what might have occurred had Gascoigne chosen to join United as opposed to Tottenham when he had the opportunity in 1988. Nevertheless the charismatic former England midfielder needs his life had taken an alternative way, and so does Ferguson. "I have always said when Paul Gascoigne thought we would go to Tottenham in front of Manchester United it absolutely was a huge mistake," he said. "He often regretted that. "He was an excellent footballer. He was the best person England created considering that the days of Bobby Charlton." Philadelphia