Sir Alex Ferguson believes the reuniting of first-choice centre backs Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is just the edge Manchester United need as they head into crunch time this season.

Ferdinand’s season has been interrupted by back problems and Vidic’s appearances have also been restricted by an ankle injury.

But the central defenders returned with successive clean sheets - a 1-0 win over Wolves and the 4-0 thumping of AC Milan - and are set to play together for just the third time this year when Fulham visit Old Trafford today.

And the United boss is sure the experience the two bring will be invaluable as United target domestic and European glory.

“They haven’t played a lot of games this season and to have them back is fantastic for us,” said the Old Trafford boss ahead of the visit of Roy Hodgson’s team, who have won just once at United in 47 years.

“They were brilliant on Wednesday against Milan and it gives us a big chance, that consistency and experience. “I see the two of them there together and there’s a sense of security.

“When you have those two back together you have the experience, the authority, the understanding with each other, it was great to see.

“I think that and having [Edwin] Van der Sar back because he was out with an injury. Having those three back, it makes an unbelievable difference.”

But Serbia international Vidic (pictured) warned it will take a while longer for him and Ferdinand to reach peak form despite such an impressive start to their renewed relationship.

“We’ve both been injured for a while and I think we need a few more games before we hit top form,” Vidic said. “But nothing has changed since we’ve been out - we always know how to play together.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson continues to insist that a record fourth straight Premier League title and winning a record 19th in total is his only motivation, not the fact that United could beat bitter rivals Liverpool’s tally of 18.

“I think the record we’re chasing is four titles in a row and that would be fantastic,” Ferguson said. “It would be the 19th title, the most in the league. It doesn’t matter who you beat to that, it’s a record. We have got a chance.”

Fulham’s American forward Clint Dempsey could make his first Premier League appearance for two months after recovering from a knee injury.