United stumble

Red Devils miss a glorious chance to close the gap on leaders Chelsea after a
goalless draw at Aston Villa

BIRMINGHAM: Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United’s English Premier League title challenge is still alive despite being eight points off the pace. The Red Devils missed a glorious chance to close the gap on leaders Chelsea and second-placed Liverpool to just six points, with a game in hand.

But, after the top two had earlier both been held to 0-0 draws, United turned in a subdued performance Saturday at Villa Park — a ground where they had won on their 11 previous visits — and were themselves held to a goalless stalemate. It might have been worse for Ferguson had not referee Chris Foy turned down loud home appeals for a second half penalty. Third-placed United could fall further behind in the title race when they travel to Japan next month to take part in the 2008 Club World Cup.

“We are going to be two games behind when we get to January. But I think we can make it up,” Ferguson said of the gap between United and the leaders. “If we can get to within two or three points of the leaders by New Year’s Day it would be a great feeling for us. It would put us in with a great chance,” he added.

United flirted with throwing away their 22-match unbeaten run against Villa, who created the best chances. Villa midfielder Ashley Young twice tested United’s goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar, but the game’s big talking point was Foy’s decision not to award the home side a 59th minute penalty after Nemanja Vidic brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor.

He was through on goal, but Vidic pulled the England striker back by his shirt before both players tumbled over just inside the penalty box. Villa boss Martin O’Neill claimed Vidic should have been sent off.

The point edged Villa up to fourth place, ahead of Arsenal, who they beat 2-0 away at Emirates Stadium in their previous game. But O’Neill continues to play down suggestions that his side are now genuine contenders for a top four spot.

Ferguson gambled on the fitness of Wayne Rooney, who was pulled out of England’s 2-1 win over Germany on Wednesday, but the striker was below par and missed United’s best chance when he blazed over in the second half.