Champions will not take Rovers lightly

With QPR and Wigan to come over the Easter period, champions Manchester United look well placed to take maximum advantage of Manchester City’s recent dip in form.

However, Ferguson will be acutely aware that all three sides have won two out of their last three matches.

With the battle for points getting more intense, he is determined there will be no complacency in his squad.

“We know how quickly football can turn on you and bite you,” said Ferguson.

“You can look at all the fixtures and say all those teams are fighting for their lives. They are the kind of games you know will be tight.”

Ferguson’s team have emerged victorious on just two of their last 11 visits to Ewood Park, a record that is worse than against any other North-West rival, including Liverpool and Manchester City.

United are on a run of six successive Premier League victories, but Rovers have taken 10 points from their last five home games.

Manager Steve Kean believes a settled team, particularly in defence, has been a major part of their improved form.

He said: “We’ve lost Chris Samba but we’ve managed to put together a back four that’s playing consistently and I don’t think it’s any coincidence that we’re consistently picking up points now.

“We can take massive confidence from where we were at Christmas time and how far we’ve come.”