United must take their second chance

It was arguably the most dramatic weekend of the season so far as the title race was turned on its head last week.

For many United fans the fat lady had taken the stage as they entered stoppage time at Eastlands, with the Red Devils facing the prospect of a second consecutive draw following the damaging defeat to Chelsea at Old Trafford two weeks previously.
But just when the naysayers and doom mongers were finalising their smug obituaries, Paul Scholes, always a man for the big occasion, popped up to reignite the side's title hopes.

The fact it was against the "noisy neighbours" made it even sweeter for United fans. Their massive spending may yet bear fruit, but it didn't happen on this occasion.
Jubilant from the win supporters will have no doubt tuned in to the late game to see the weekend go from good to brilliant. Spurs ripped Chelsea apart. The Blues looked a shadow of the side that held United at bay so professionally two weeks ago.

The worrying thing is that in-form Spurs, fresh from wins over Chelsea and Arsenal, are next up at Old Trafford. They have plenty to play for themselves as they battle City for fourth place. It seems ironic that a United win on Saturday will probably bring a smile to even the most ardent of City fan.

A boost for United could be the return of Wes Brown, with the papers reporting that the England defender is ready to prove his fitness. The timing couldn't be better with more doubts over Rio Ferdinand. He wasn't in the squad last week but even when he is selected he has looked half the player he was a few years back.

A leaky defence has been one of United's weaknesses this year and, other than Ronalado's departure, it is the biggest difference between the current squad and last season's title winning side. A return to the watertight days of 2009 would give United the platform they need to get a result.

Up front doubts remain over both Rooney and Berbatov. With the former it is purely a fitness issue. He has clearly been rushed back from his ankle injury and your wonder how much extra damage he is inflicting on himself. But such is his form he needs to play even if half fit. Of course, England fans will be watching the striker with hearts in mouths as Rooney will be vital if the Three Lions are to justify their World Cup betting odds.

Berbatov meanwhile remains one of footballs enigmas. Oodles of talent, but he often gives the impression he can't be bothered to. If the Premier League title won't motivate you, what will?

Three wins out of three are required if United are to claim another title and Saturday's game is arguably the hardest of the lot. A win over Harry Redknapp's men and, as the online betting suggests, the prospect of a fourth consecutive Premier League title is most definitely on.