Ferguson says presence of title-winners makes Man U favourites for Premier League title

Manchester: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the presence of so many players with Premier League medals in the squad, have helped them leave their rivals trailing in recent weeks.

United opened up a five-point lead over old foes Manchester City this week, and it could be eight by 4pm on Sunday. "It`s down to experience. It never fazes them and they can handle it. Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are unparalleled of course, but Wayne Rooney has four title medals, Rio Ferdinand has five," a daily quoted Ferguson, as saying. "Michael Carrick has got a few and even people like Rafael have got two or three. So it all adds to the experience - and that`s valuable at this time of the season," he added. He also claimed United`s brilliant away form has been the reason why they are sitting at the top of the league table right now. "Last season, we were fortunate as we had a great home record and only dropped two points at Old Trafford. But that was balanced out by the away form," Fergie said. "This season, we`ve picked up fewer points at home but away form has been much better. We`ve had the most clean sheets away in the league this season and you need that," he added. ANI