adminFerguson’s side were made to toil at home to Southampton on Wednesday before eventually emerging with a 2-1 victory that lifted them seven points above their nearest challengers.
With City not in action until a home game with Liverpool tomorrow, United can strike another psychological blow if they prevail at Craven Cottage.
Despite his side’s struggle to beat Southampton, United captain Nemanja Vidic says the only thing that matters is putting points on the board.
“Winning games is important at this stage of the season,” he told in-house television channel MUTV.
“But we have to forget what has gone and focus on the next games. Nothing is finished yet. There is a long way to go, but we’re in a good position.”
United and Fulham met as recently as last weekend, with Vidic and his colleagues winning 4-1 in a one-sided FA Cup fourth-round encounter at Old Trafford.
Fulham secured only their second win in eight games by overcoming West Ham United 3-1 on Wednesday, moving them eight points clear of the relegation zone.
With Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all dropping points in mid-week, Everton capitalised by winning 2-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion to close to within a point of the Champions League places.
As Spurs do not play until tomorrow, when they visit West Brom, David Moyes’ side will move into the top four if they overcome a floundering Aston Villa team that sank into the relegation zone last weekend.
Leighton Baines scored both Everton’s goals against West Brom and manager Moyes says the England leftback will have a key role to play in their push for a top-four finish.
“I think Bainesy has been playing really well and over the last couple of games, I’ve been thinking he needs another challenge,” said Moyes.
Arsenal go into their home game with Stoke City three points below Everton in sixth place, after coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Liverpool.
Fixtures
Today (all 5pm unless otherwise stated): Arsenal v Stoke City, Everton v Aston Villa, Fulham v Manchester United (7:30pm), Newcastle United v Chelsea, Reading v Sunderland, West Ham United v Swansea City, Wigan Athletic v Southampton, Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City (2:45pm)
Tomorrow: West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur (3:30pm), Manchester City v Liverpool (6pm) —AFP.
Online Reporter