Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't just want to win the Premier League title in his 20th year as Manchester United manager. He wants to do it by collecting at least 90 points.
The Red Devils, who top the standings with 19 points so far, aim to add three more when they host Liverpool in their ninth game of the season on Sunday.
``We have to be looking to amass something around 90 points this year,'' Ferguson said Friday. ``It is an exceptional figure, more than I have ever targeted before and even then it is difficult to say whether it would be enough or not.''
Chelsea won the last two leagues with point totals of 91 and 95 points, respectively. Arsenal won the 2003-04 championship with 90 points, but United amassed only 83 to win in 2003. United won the 2000 title with 91 points.
``What it says is that we need a very high points total to win the league this year, which is why every point is so crucial to us,'' Ferguson said.
Liverpool won the last meeting between the sides _ 1-0 in the FA Cup fifth round in February. But Liverpool haven't won away in the league so far this season and trails United by eight points.
``People were dismissing Arsenal a few weeks ago, now it is Liverpool,'' Ferguson said. ``It is just crazy. All it takes is a couple of wins and for the top teams to draw a couple of matches and everyone is back to square one again.''
Midfielder Paul Scholes will make his 500th Manchester United appearance on Sunday _ the 12th player to do so.
Two of those who have reached that milestone _ defender Gary Neville and winger Ryan Giggs _ should return Sunday after missing the 3-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen with injury and illness.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard should also play after recovering from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the 1-0 Champions League win at Bordeaux. It will be his 350th Liverpool appearance. Manager Rafa Benitez said Gerrard was regaining his form after a disappointing World Cup for England.
``This is maybe the right time for him,'' Benitez said. ``He knows his form has not been the same but it is not difficult to see why when you consider what he is being compared with.''
Benitez said Gerrard's tally of 23 goals last season was in contrast to previous seasons, when he averaged around 10 goals per term.
``This season is different for him,'' Benitez said. ``He has been away a lot with England and he is now in the best time for an improvement personally.''
The victory at Bordeaux was Liverpool's first away win at all this season. Benitez will also have striker Dirk Kuyt and midfielder Momo Sissoko back from injury.
``It is important though for all 11 players on the pitch to play at a very high level in a match at Old Trafford, it is always a tough game,'' Benitez said.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
