Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants to equal the club's record points tally in the Premier League, but has ruled out eclipsing Chelsea's record of 95 across the final nine games of the season.

United are currently on 74 points from 29 games, with 27 points still to play for.

Chelsea hold the Premier League record of 95 from a 38-game season in 2004/05, and while that total remains within United's reach, Ferguson is instead targeting the club's previous highest total, achieved in the 1993/94 campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson is targeting a 92 points tally this season.

"There's nine games left, so a possible 27 points," said Ferguson. "We'll drop points somewhere along the line, I mean we've got to, it's a tough league, but all the rest will drop points too.

"The record is 95 points by Chelsea, who beat us one year, we had 92 points one season. If we can get to 95 points I'll be absolutely delighted.

"That would be a fantastic season and if we do get to that position then I think we'll probably win the league."

With a 15-point lead over champions Manchester City, United have all-but cruised to a title they frivolously surrendered during the final weeks of last season.

City were expected to be the main challengers to United's authority again, and while Roberto Mancini's side are favourites to secure second spot, Ferguson has been surprised by their near-neighbours' disappointing challenge.

"When Manchester City came on the scene in the last couple of years, as well as Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, you've got teams vying for that top-four position," Ferguson added.

"So you expect it to be really tight and after last season, what we said this year was 'let's make sure we don't lose it on goal difference', because that's what happened last year.

"And of course our goal difference has improved remarkably, that's the first point. But I never thought for a minute we'd be 15 points clear at this stage of the season."

With Sunderland and then Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter final replay to play across the Easter weekend, the club season kicks back into with a vengeance after the international break and Ferguson admits the health of his players will dictate his selection for the double-header.

"Every coach is praying that their players come back fit," Ferguson added.

"They played last Friday and they are playing tonight. Once I know later this evening how many minutes each player has played, I will start to think about my team for Saturday.

"I have to make sure I have some freshness in the team because we also have Chelsea on Monday lunchtime.

"It is a big ask for our squad and something we need to concentrate on because I need to make sure I pick the right teams."

Manchester United FC