Ferdinand hails home dominance

Published Oct. 9, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

High-flying United are top of the Premier League after going unbeaten in their opening seven games, while they have won all four home matches and scored 16 goals, conceding just three. Centre-back Ferdinand puts much of their early success down to their prowess on home turf and is confident Sir Alex Ferguson's men can retain the crown this term. "There is such belief in the squad, we are gunning for title No.20," he told the Daily Star Sunday. "We believe Old Trafford is a fortress and that is a great base for us to build on. "That's the belief we've got, that's the belief the fans have got. Many teams come here knowing it's going to be a long battle. "It is the best stadium in the world to play in. The atmosphere, the fans - it's electric." Ferdinand says United never feel a game is a lost cause when playing at home, even if they fall behind. He added: "I think the biggest thing at Old Trafford is that teams can go one or two goals up against us and even if they walk in at half-time, two-up, then there's a good chance we will come back and win the game." United won 18 of their 19 home games in the Premier League last season to help them lift their 19th title, while the other ended in a 2-2 draw with West Brom. Ferdinand believes many of his side's results come down to the never-say-die outlook manager Ferguson and the more experienced players in the squad instil in the team. "It comes from the manager - he has got a winning mentality and wants to win all the time. It rubs off on the team," he said. "You have to have a certain number of players who have been here for a while who can take that on board. "They can address that in the dressing room - and we have got experience at the club."