Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson isn't getting carried away with their seven point lead.

Ferguson is cautious about whether they can hang on to top spot this time, despite their healthy seven-point lead.

Fergie said: "I'm not confident - I'm hopeful.

"I can't ever say I'm confident in a league that is as competitive as this one. As you know, mistakes can happen time and time again - and you can lose to anyone.

"Just look at some of our results over the years.

"You get some surprise defeats and on other occasions we've got victories which have surprised people.

"That is in the nature of this competition. You can lose to anyone in this league, there is no question about that."