Man Utd position pleases Ferguson

Ferguson has an impressive record over Liverpool in recent times

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his side's nine-point gap over Liverpool could be crucial in the race for the Premier League title.

"Any gap is a significant one in December," insisted Ferguson, after United's 1-0 victory at Anfield.

"It is important once you get to the end of the month to be up there.

"If we are around the top on 1 January we will have an outstanding chance of retaining the title and we'll also know who our challengers are going to be."

The victory also put the defending champions five points clear of Chelsea after the Blues' 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates.

"I think the games between the top sides are going to be important this year and this is an important win for us," added Ferguson. "It's going to be a long struggle and fight right through the season.

"It wasn't a smash and grab victory at all. We played the better stuff. It was very frenetic, a typical Liverpool v Manchester United game. The crowd creates such a fervour, it is very difficult for the referee to handle."

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Ferguson admitted he feared a Reds equaliser late on after his side conceded a number of free-kicks near the edge of their penalty area.

"When a team gets so many you always worry that one is eventually going to go in," he said.

"When they got that one just outside the area in injury time, I thought they were going to score but we held firm and got a result we deserved."

Delighted United defender Rio Ferdinand added: "Anfield is a hard place to come, they defend very well and there is pressure all over the park. We dealt with everything they threw at us and got the goal.

"They are a very good side. One moment of brilliance, Wayne Rooney's shot deflecting to Carlos - well it was a bit fortunate but we'll take that.

"The whole team defended, closed them down, and everything they did get into the box we dealt with.

"I think you can tell from the reaction of the lads after, and the fans, it's a great feeling to come to Anfield and win."