Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has earmarked his squad's senior players as the most important in their push for a 20th league title.

United currently sit eight points clear of rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League following their controversial 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

However, Ferguson believes that his experienced players still need to play at the top of their game in order to secure the title.

"You have to protect your team as best you can. I think it's a good, strong squad with good youth and experience in it," said the veteran manager.

"Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick. Those five do represent a lot of experience and we expect them to be right on top of their job."

United's next match comes tomorrow night when they travel to the DW Stadium to face struggling Wigan Athletic.