Cup final approach has to be adopted to boost United title hopes, says Ferdinand

United made it 22 points from the last 24 on offer with a 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane on Sunday, their toughest fixture on paper until their April 30 showdown with City.

The champions appear to have the easier build-up to what could well be a title decider at the Etihad Stadium but Ferdinand is taking nothing for granted.

“All we have ever said is to keep putting points on the board,” he said.

“Our last two away games have shown the professionalism in the camp and that has been fantastic. We have to continue that. We have big games coming up. Each game will be like a cup final. I know that’s a cliche but it’s true.”

City have been unable to shake United off and know they may have to keep picking up maximum points to avoid being overtaken by their arch-rivals in the coming weeks.

Ferdinand added: “We have just got to keep winning games. If we do that, we will put pressure on the other teams.

“It is about keeping our own house in order and making sure we remain resilient and keep putting points on the board.”

Resilience is something United have shown in abundance to win their last two games, scoring a stoppage-time winner at Norwich before producing a classic smash-and-grab victory at Tottenham.

“It was a huge win for us because that was a game people probably expected us to drop points in,” said Ferdinand.