While Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in with 27 goals, the England striker has had to settle for 10, going into the Barclays Premier League match against Tottenham tomorrow.

Ferguson believes Rooney might have been trying too hard in the midweek victory against Portsmouth which could have cost him a chance to add to his tally.

"We told him after the game he doesn't need to expend so much energy in midfield," said the United boss. "Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were in control.

"Wayne worked too hard and that maybe cost him the opportunity to get goals.

"But he is doing fine. You wish every player you had showed that desire and appetite to play.

"It is a joy to see someone of his age play with so much enthusiasm.

"He just needs to control his energy - he will soon be banging in the goals again."

Ferguson believes that United may have to finish the season unbeaten if they are to retain the title.

The Scot's side certainly have the momentum and go to White Hart Lane having won nine of their last 10 league games.

Despite that great run, United are clear of Arsenal only on goal difference while Chelsea lie just four points adrift.

With 14 matches left, Ferguson said: "I have to look at where the dangers are and say to myself will they go through the season undefeated as Chelsea and Arsenal have done in the past.

"I am taking nothing for granted. We may have to. It is getting very tight now."

Mischievously, however, Ferguson claims he could do with a helping hand in his bid to keep Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Chelsea's Avram Grant at a safe distance.

That's why the Old Trafford boss has one eye on the African Nations Cup in Ghana.

He admits he would love to see a final between the host nation and the Ivory Coast, so that key players from their title rivals are prevented from making a quick return.

Arsenal pair Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are away with the Ivory Coast as are Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou.

Grant is also missing Michael Essien as he is helping Ghana's cause. Ferguson said: "It is my wish the Ivory Coast and Ghana make the final and keep the players occupied.

"Avram Grant and Arsene Wenger know fine well what I am hoping for. You have to be selfish in a case like this.

"Can you get a replay in the final of the African Nations Cup? That would be good!"

Ferguson looks poised to freshen up his side following the 2-0 victory against Portsmouth in midweek.

Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves are all keen to return to a team that chalked up four straight league wins in January.

Scholes could retain his place after making his first start in three months following a knee operation.

Ferguson said: "When you see Scholes coming back and what he brings to a game, it is absolute joy.

"He makes so much time for himself. He brings order and composure to our play. That is a big bonus for us."

United are looking to complete a double against Tottenham inside a week after knocking them out of the FA Cup.

Ferguson expects an open game. "There are usually goals there, so goodness knows what will happen tomorrow.

"There is a wind of change at Tottenham - you saw that last Sunday.

"It looks as though Juande Ramos has changed certain things, including diet.

"That is something I noted when I came here and he is absolutely right in what he is doing."