Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's never-say-die attitude will serve them well in the coming weeks and months.United face Newcastle on Saturday on the back of a 1-1 draw against Lyon in the Champions League in midweek.

Carlos Tevez stepped off the bench to score the equaliser and what could prove to be a vital away goal three minutes from time.

It puts United in good heart as they travel to St James' Park in their pursuit of a second successive title.

Ferguson said: "We have only done in Lyon what we have done for years - we do not give in.

"It is a quality that will serve us well in the run-in.

"It tells you we have players with desire and commitment. We are very pleased with their attitude."

Tevez is pushing for a place in the starting line-up after scoring his 15th goal of the season.

So too are Louis Saha, Michael Carrick and Nani, who set up the vital goal.

Ferguson insists that everyone in the squad will get game time as they aim to clinch the famed Treble - just as they did in 1999.

"Nobody likes to be substitute but for the things we are chasing we have to make changes in certain games, " said the Old Trafford boss.

"The bench was strong against Lyon. We could have brought on Saha but felt Tevez was more suited to that type of game.

"We would probably have got a response from Saha as he is desperate to do well and is looking good.

"Some people like Darren Fletcher do not even make the bench. He proved how vital a player he was to us when we beat Arsenal in the FA Cup.

"So they will all play a part as they make a fantastic contribution in training and the way they handle their disappointment."

Ferguson is convinced they can close a five-point gap on Arsenal at the top of the table as long as they remain at the top of their game.

He said: "We are in a position where we cannot afford any slip-ups now.

"We have to motor on and get a good consistency about us. We know some points will be dropped and Arsenal and Chelsea are aware of that.

"The name of the game is not to drop as many as them. It is not easy but we have come from behind before.

"In 1993 we were well behind in November but eight points clear at the finishing line.

"What it tells you hopefully is that experience counts.

"Arsenal have an advantage of being five points clear, no question of that but they also know they have some tough games coming up."

Ferguson is looking forward to locking horns again with Kevin Keegan.

The Newcastle manager is still reminded today of that infamous rant at his United counterpart in March 1996 in his first spell in charge of the club.

That was when the wheels were coming off their title bid and he let rip on television about what he thought were underhand tactics.

Now Keegan has been charged with trying to revive Newcastle's fortunes again - and Ferguson feels he has a difficult job.

"It is not easy getting players in January. That was really Kevin's problem, " said Ferguson.

"He has not really had time to get those in he wanted. He's had to rely on the players he's got.

"I haven't spoken to Kevin for ages. He was out of the game for three years of course. I am looking forward to seeing him.

"People go about mind games and get carried away with it. It is an over-played thing."

Ferguson added: "Although our record is decent at Newcastle, we don't take things for granted.

"We expect a hard game as Kevin will be determined to try to get a result."

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