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Football: Show me how GREAT you are UNITED IN FINAL PUSH

FERGIE'S TREBLE BATTLE CRY

SIR ALEX FERGUSON last night rallied his Manchester United troops for the final push, saying: "Now is the time to be great."

Ferguson's side are just seven games away from an historic second Treble and footballing immortality.

And he is anxious they do not lose their focus after all the hard work they have put in during the season.

He was delighted to see United sweep the board at last Sunday's PFA awards when Cristiano Ronaldo won both the Player and Young Player of the Year awards while eight Reds were named in the Team of the Year.

But the United boss has brought his players back down to earth by telling them the prizes that really matter are handed out next month.

"It was a great night for Cristiano and a great night for the club," said Ferguson.

"But these awards only tell you what's been happening up until February when the votes are cast.

"What we have to do now is make sure we are great in April and May. This is the time to be great.

"If the players don't smell the scent of something big in their lives now then they never will. It's a great opportunity for them and they must take it.

"Now we focus on the Premiership again, knowing that we are involved in yet another match of immense significance. Every match feels like a cup final now. I wouldn't have it any other way because this is what it's all about, big games on the last lap of the season."

Ferguson claims his side deserve to lift some silverware because of the way they have played this season. He has huge faith in his players and was not surprised by how well they responded to the disappointment of drawing with Middlesbrough to beat AC Milan in the Champions League.

"I trust my players, especially when they have had a setback, because they have the character to pick themselves up," he said. "You have to win things to be regarded as a great team and without wishing to tempt fate, I think we will end up with a trophy.

"I certainly hope so because the way the players are performing right now, I think they deserve to have something to show for their fine efforts."

The Premier League title remains the one trophy Ferguson wants above all others and United can take a massive step towards reclaiming their crown by beating Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow.

David Moyes' UEFA Cup hopefuls have beaten Liverpool and Arsenal at home this season and Gabriel Heinze has warned the Blues are capable of another upset.

"The players are of a very high standard in this country and I've always said that teams try their best and never give up during a game," said the Argentine.

THE TREBLE RUN-IN..

Everton (a) tomorrow, AC Milan (a) May 2: Man City (a) 5th, Chelsea (a) 9th, West Ham (h) 13th, Chelsea (FA Cup Final, Wembley) 19th, Champions League Final (Athens) 23rd.