Manchester United Go Marching On

It’s been a massive week in the title race. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are now five points clear and, with just seven games to go, you sense it would take an almighty collapse by Manchester United, of the likes we’ve never seen from them, to hand Manchester City the trophy.

United definitely have the momentum With 11 wins from the last 12 league games now.It’s almost as if Sir Alex just waited for the right moment to put his foot on the accelerator; now it looks as though he’s not going to take it off.

United’s dogged and relentless pursuit has played its part despite what many regard as one the most inferior united squad under Ferguson. The mental toll of watching United come back from being three goals down at Chelsea to draw, or scoring a last-minute winner at Norwich, is huge. That can’t be easy.

Before last weekend I was convinced it would go down to the wire. But the way City played against Sunderland suggested they’ve run out of steam. Yaya Toure went to the Africa Cup of Nations and then had to slot straight back into the title race. That was difficult for him. David Silva also looks worn out.

The only glimmer of hope City have got is this weekend by winning at Arsenal and hope United somehow drop points against QPR then they’re right back in the hunt. But I can’t see that happening therefore if United win, I can’t see a way back for City, regardless of their result at the Emirates.

It’s going to take a huge revival from City to recreate their early season form because we haven’t really seen that for quite a while. Watching City now juxtaposed to watching them back in September and October they are nowhere near the team they were. The best City can aim for now is to be within three points of United come the Manchester derby on 30 April. But even that relies on United making mistakes and City winning all their games, which is far from a given.

At Blackburn we saw a real togetherness from the United fans and the team, this something Sir Alex called for not long ago in his programme notes and that’s been a big factor in recent weeks. Also, the injuries United have had this season looks to have helped Sir Alex keep the team fresh. Because players have coming in and out he’s had to make changes and that’s kept everybody fresh and buzzing.

That feel-good mood among the red half of Manchester will probably continue this weekend and, if United beat QPR as I suspect they will, I think they’ll have the title wrapped up by the time they go to the Etihad Stadium. A five-point lead at this stage of the season is a big, big advantage.