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No injury problems ahead of Manchester derby - Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson admits his team are smarting from the 4-4 draw at home to Everton © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson has reported that Manchester United have no fresh injury worries ahead of their gigantic Premier League showdown with Manchester City on Monday.

United have the odd long-term absentee, such as Nemanja Vidic, Anderson and Darren Fletcher, but those who have been relied upon all season are fit for the trip to the Etihad. Victory for United would all-but-seal the title with just two more games to play, while defeat would put City firmly in the driving seat.

Ferguson faces the job of boosting his team's morale after their 4-4 draw with Everton last week, which saw them throw away a 4-2 lead with less than ten minutes remaining.

The Red Devils' manager spoke confidently, though, pointing out that United rarely make life easy for themselves in trophy-winning seasons. It is that history and experience, clearly, that Ferguson plans to fall back on against a City side looking to win their first Premier League crown.

"We don't have any injury problems, that's a good position to be in during this important week," Ferguson reported.

"I suppose when the fixture list came out at the start of the season, everyone pointed to this match. It's been inevitable. The build-up to the game, who's dropped points and who hasn't dropped points, it all comes down to this game.

"It'll be a fantastic atmosphere, I hope it lives up to the billing. We're smarting from throwing that game away last week, but we always make things difficult for ourselves - our supporters are used to the drama.

"You would have to be a confirmed masochist to enjoy it. But we are looking forward to it and the players will be fully prepared for it."

Ferguson also told Roberto Mancini that he can forget the mind games, because they will not have any effect on how United approach the match. Mancini has consistently said City are not in the title race, despite knowing they are likely to win the league if they win their remaining three games.

"Maybe he is trying to take pressure off his own players. But it doesn't matter. It is not going to affect our approach or attitude to the game," Ferguson said.

"We know the exact situation we are in here. We are in a better position than Manchester City. We can get two results, they can only get one. They have to win. We can draw or we can win, which is what we will be trying to do."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.