Man Utd star desperate to finish top

Valencia believes the chase for the title is now a three-horse race between them, rivals Manchester City and Tottenham.

He told The Sun: “After a blow like that it’s not easy to recover. The result was unpredictable, nobody liked what happened but maybe it served as a lesson.

“But the manager was angry, the players were unhappy. Mr Ferguson didn’t have to say too much – we all knew what had happened.

“Now we are second in the table and it’s vital we finish as the leaders. Nothing is decided yet and the pressure could affect Manchester City and we are ready to jump ahead of them.

“Tottenham are developing a sensational season and are also in the race and will be dangerous. But at United we are obliged to fight for the title and will never throw in the towel.

“Paul Scholes is back and his return has been a big plus.

“Me? My objective is to stay in the first team and help United win the league. That’s what’s expected of us.”