So Manchester City got a point after being 3-1 down at home to Sunderland, that is 2 points dropped for them but now United need to take advantage of the game in hand away at Blackburn on Monday and get the win to take us 5 points clear.

United play QPR then next week Sunday at Old Trafford and City have to go to the Emirates to play Arsenal, which will be another vital game.

Opta Sports‏@OptaJoe

8 - Manchester City have been awarded more penalties at home than any other Premier League team this season. Useful.

What does Vieira have to say about this stat?;)

Tom Cleverley is "as excited as everyone else" by the prospect of a title chase in his first full Barclays Premier League season as a United player.

In an exclusive interview for MUTV’s Countdown to Kick Off, Cleverley said of his bid to collect a first winner's medal: "That is what we’re at this club to do."

Meanwhile, two of Tom's fellow midfielders are already into double figures where titles are concerned - namely Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

"It gives us, the young players, confidence when you know you have players with 15 to 20 years' experience playing next to you," Cleverley admitted.

After returning to the first-team fold as an unused substitute against Fulham, Tom hopes to feature in the final eight league games, starting at Blackburn on Monday. He recognises there is little margin for error, especially with the presence of local rivals Manchester City providing extra intensity in this title race.

"It does seem to increase the pressure a little bit with City being involved. But we know if we win every game from now until the end of the season, the title is ours."

We could be 8 points clear by the time they face Arsenal.

Indeed, this is why complacency cannot creep in as every match will be tough and Blackburn are a bogey team for us, so we will have to play well to get a result there.

We cannot afford to slip up!

Let's hope this is the start of a really good last run in to Man Utd again and that City don't get a look in, after dropping 2 home points today, from now.

Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to take anything for granted even though Monday's trip to Blackburn marks the start of three games on the trot against sides mired in relegation trouble.

With QPR and Wigan to come over the Easter period, Manchester United look well placed to take maximum advantage of Manchester City's recent dip in form.

However, Ferguson will be acutely aware that all three sides have won two out of their last three matches.

And with the battle for points getting more intense, the United chief is determined there will be no complacency creeping into his squad.

'We know how quickly football can turn on you and bite you,' said Ferguson.

'You can look at all the fixtures and say all those teams are fighting for their lives. And they are the kind of games you know will be tight.'

Ewood Park has never been an easy place for United. Ferguson's team have emerged victorious on just two of their last 11 visits, a record that is worse that against any other north-west rival, including Liverpool and Manchester City.

Two seasons ago, United were held to a goalless draw that ultimately cost them any hope of retaining their title.

And even last year, when they only needed a point to get it back, the Red Devils required a late Wayne Rooney penalty to start the celebrations.

'The game at Blackburn has always been a difficult match,' said Ferguson. "It is a local derby and tends to be a bit feisty.

'Last season we were lucky enough to come back from a goal down to win the league.

'But it will be a very difficult game. That is the way it is going to be from now until the end of the season.'


With just one game a week now all their cup commitments are at an end, Ferguson has had some tricky selection posers to sort out on the club break at St Andrews.

Chris Smalling and former Blackburn defender Phil Jones will come into consideration for a recall at right-back and both would be on standby to replace Rio Ferdinand, should Ferguson not be entirely convinced the 33-year-old has recovered from the back complaint that reared its head again during Monday's narrow win over Fulham.

City manager Roberto Mancini has tried to apply some pressure by claiming United will drop points tomorrow to let his side back into the championship scrap.

However, such is the state of the Premier League table just now that if United avoid defeat on derby day at the Etihad Stadium on April 30, they could draw two games and still be crowned champions for a record 20th time. Not that Ferguson is looking that far ahead.

'Hopefully we can stay there but that's where the point is made about experience,' he said.

'We have a small advantage but we just have to take each game as it comes along.

'Once the Fulham game was over last week the focus was on Monday night. After that it will be Queens Park Rangers.

'That's the way we need to handle it. It's the best way.'

Sir Alex Ferguson claims David de Gea’s emergence as a key figure in Manchester United’s title bid can be traced back to being blamed for the New Year’s Eve defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

The Spanish goalkeeper is expected to overcome a wrist injury to face Steve Kean’s Blackburn Rovers team at Ewood Park tonight as United aim to claim the victory that will move them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

The 21 year-old, an £18.3 million summer signing from Atletico Madrid, endured an unconvincing start to life in England, making a series of costly mistakes before being dropped by Ferguson as a result of his error-strewn performance in the 3-2 defeat against Blackburn.

An ankle injury sustained by Anders Lindegaard saw De Gea recalled after just four games on the sidelines, however, and the youngster has since established himself as first-choice with a string of impressive displays.

And with De Gea set to face the team that brutally exposed his frailties at Old Trafford, Ferguson insists that the Spain Under-21 goalkeeper’s reaction since that defeat has justified his recruitment as Edwin van der Sar’s successor.

“David has stood up as a man.” Ferguson said.

“He got a grip of it, he didn’t let it get to him and the boy has improved every game. The area in which he had been criticised was aerial balls in the box and, if you watch the Blackburn game, the last corner-kick, he should have dealt with that.

“He knew that and he’s addressed that situation, so there’s a great improvement there. Now he’s playing with confidence and confidence is a great factor in English football.”

De Gea has conceded just two goals in his last five league games, keeping three clean sheets, but Ferguson admits he needed time to find his feet in the Premier League.

Ferguson said: “He stood up to the situation. He knew it was a challenge and it took him time to adjust to the different ways of the English game as opposed to the Spanish game. He’s showing that now.

“The other night against Fulham, he had two or three really terrific punches in the second half of the game when they started getting the ball in the box. He’s shown fantastic improvement.”

Although Manchester United sealed their 19th league title with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn last season, Ewood Park has proved an unrewarding venue for Ferguson’s team, with just two wins in their last 11 visits.

Good praise for DDG from Sir Alex Ferguson, that will boost the lads confidence:).

Hope that United get business done tonight because these 3 points if we win could be vital, it will be a tough game and our record at Ewood Park is not pretty.

What a vital 3 points that is! Late goals in the last 10 minutes of the game by Tony V and Ashley Young to send United 3 points clear:D:).

I was nervous throughout. DDG had made a few important saves when it was 0-0 to save our skins, we were creating chances but not taking them and were sloppy sometimes. Decisions like playing Rooney out on the wing was bizarre too by SAF?

Brilliant Video: Antonio Valencia asked: "Was it a cross, or was it a shot?" Valencia laughs: "50-50!" http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos...-laughs-50-50/

EPL Index‏@EPLIndex

12 - Antonio Valencia now joint top on goal assists this season with David Silva despite starting 11 games less than the Spaniard. Form.

VIDEO: Valencia & Ashley Young's Goals Against Blackburn.

http://TheBusbyWay.com/2012/04/02/vi...nst-blackburn/

Congratulations. I think tonight you won the title. I'll think you'll even win at City now.

You haven't got the best squad, but you've got by far the best manager of players.

Hopefully we'll be able to challenge you at some point in the next few years, and try and take back the league championship record.

I don't think it is over yet, still more games and twists to come yet. Yes the current United squad is going through the transitions and we grind out results, although getting the best of what some people consider average players is what SAF is good at.

Both clubs will have to do a bit of Summer business for sure!

Ashley Young and Rafael praise Tony V and talk about the United win:).

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...a-7615235.html

Rooney rates Welbeck:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...he-season.aspx

Rooney eyes top four finish

Wayne Rooney's priority for the remainder of the campaign is to help the Reds to a 20th title triumph, but the striker also has one eye on cementing a place in the top four of the club's all-time scorers list before the season's out.

Rooney, who has netted 28 times this term, is just four behind George Best and Dennis Viollet in the goals chart on 175.

Winning the league is Wazza's ultimate aim, but climbing the scoring ladder remains a personal goal.

"I’ve seen about the all-time scoring record and a few people have reminded me of it as well, but I’m still a long, long way away from Sir Bobby [Charlton, on 249 goals] and Denis Law [on 237]," the striker told Inside United.

"I’m obviously proud to be up there and be in touching distance of some legends of the club. Hopefully I can overtake them soon."

Rooney still has a long way to go before he can take over top spot from Sir Bobby Charlton who is sitting on 249, but it's a target he'd love to beat one day.

"It would be an unbelievable feeling if I could get his record, but as I said before I’m still a long way away. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to do it," added the 26-year-old.

"It’s not something I look at all the time, it’s something I’ll probably take more notice of when I’ve finished playing. But I’m certainly proud to be where I am at the moment."

:)

Vidic had faith in United

Nemanja Vidic claims he knew United would still mount a serious defence of the title in his absence because the club never relies on one player.

When the influential captain was ruled out for the season after damaging knee ligaments at Basel in December, many commentators feared the Reds' campaign would falter but Sir Alex's team are five points clear in the Barclays Premier League table with seven games remaining.

Paying tribute to the younger players who have covered for the injured stars at vital times, the Serbian also feels the manager is is largely responsible for keeping the club in a position to challenge for the top domestic honour.

"It doesn't matter who is out," Vidic told PA Sport. "Manchester United never depend on one player. If you look at the past, players have left and fans have said how are we going to do but they still win titles and trophies.

"That is why Manchester United are special. That is why the manager is the best at replacing players and finding young players. He showed that over the years. I believed we would challenge for the title. We changed some players last season and others went.

"We got some young players. We didn't expect the young players would play that many games and would have so much influence on the team. This is a great plus for the club. Obviously we have had some injuries over the past year, which is another difficult thing we have gone through. We have had so many players get injured at different times. But we have coped and been very competitive with Manchester City. Now we are at the top of the league and have a big chance to win it."

In terms of the knee injury itself, Vidic is aiming to prove any doubters wrong by eventually regaining his best form.

"The injury happened," he stated. "I can't change it. It is not something I can change. I have to get on with it. Even when you have an injury, there are some benefits. You try to take the best you can from the position you are on. You don't think the worst.

"Of course I am not happy to be injured, but I am trying to work the best way I can. I know the stuff I am doing now will help me not to have the injury again. I am 30. I still have a few years to play. When I come back I want to be at the same level I was before my injury. This is one of the things that drives me on.

"People say I can't be the same. This is a challenge for me. It is a big injury, a long injury. I don't believe I will be on top form as soon as I come back. But I want to reach the level I was before the injury. This is the aim.

"I never thought about coming back. I am not pushing. I am lucky, the manager and the physios and the doctor weren't trying to beat the record. They didn't want me to come back in five months. Five months from the injury would be one game to the end. There would be no point rushing to play one or two games. That helps as well.

"I am looking to next season. As soon as I got the injury and had the operation, I knew I wouldn't be back this season. I am just focused on next season."

Manchester United's Antonio Valencia keen to prioritise playing for Ecuador by delaying ankle surgery .

Sir Alex on reported Valencia ankle op in summer:

"I don't know where that story has come from - it's never been on the agenda or discussed. He has a plate in there and at the moment it stays there. His form has been unbelievable. When you get players hitting form, their best form, at this time of season, it's a bonus."

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has admitted it is hard to think about anything other than the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils are five points clear at top of the table going into the Easter weekend fixtures, when they face struggling QPR, and look on course to pick up their 20th league title.

The 20-year-old Jones, who moved to Old Trafford from Blackburn last summer, is learning what it means to be in the thick of a title push.

"You can't get away from the title race," he told reporters.

"The hype is massive. You get to realise what it means to win and pick up that trophy every year. People are talking about it everywhere, which makes it hard to take your mind off it.

"It is great to be part of that though. It is an exciting time."

As one of the younger players in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, Jones admits it is the experience of United’s veterans that will see them triumph.

"The general knowledge of the experienced players, from just being there, knowing how to cope, what things to do on and off the field and how to prepare for games is invaluable," he added.

"You cannot buy that kind of experience."

Jones has shown his versatility, taking up a place in central midfield for their win at Blackburn on Monday, something he has done more than once this season, and he is desperate to win the league in his first season at Old Trafford.

"It would be a massive achievement for me, my family and my friends," he added.

"I would never have dreamed of being able to lift the Premier League trophy.

"But we are a long way off that yet."

Rio Ferdinand has warned his Manchester United team-mates that the Premier League title race is not over yet ahead of their clash against Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils edged to narrow 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Monday night and moved five points clear of rivals Manchester City.

But Ferdinand insisted United are aware that there is more work to be done before they can celebrate United’s 20th league title.

“The celebrations [at Blackburn] were blown out of all proportion,” Ferdinand told United’s website.

“Since I have been at the club, for the last 10 years, it has been a hard place to go. We have not had good results there and we wanted to put that right and make sure we got a good result.

“We are in the position we would like to be in at this stage of the season but it is not over, and I don’t think it is a time that says we won the league.

“Those celebrations weren’t because we thought it was over, it was because we got a good result at a place where, a couple of years ago, they helped stop us winning the league. So it was nice to get one back over them.”

“There is still a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season, when the trophies are handed out.

“We have to make sure we apply ourselves in the right way for every game. If we do that, put in the performances and get the results we want, we will hopefully be lifting the trophy at the end of the season.”

The England defender has won five league titles at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson signed Ferdinand from Leeds United in record £29.1m deal in 2002.

And the 33-year-old insists that United are aware of the twists and turns that can occur in a title run-in and is certain the defending champions will not be getting complacent, despite securing 31 points from a possible 33.

“We know it can change very quickly as well, from being on a great run to having a dip. We have been there before,” Ferdinand added.

“The only thing on our minds is to keep winning each game and not look beyond that. It is a cliché and it is boring, but that is the way it is. It is quite simple. Black and white.

“The next game is the most important one. You just have to keep ticking off the fixtures and winning games.”

He continued: “Everyone is saying our run-in looks easy, but our next three games [QPR, Wigan, Villa] are against teams who are fighting to stay in the Premier League, so this talk of easy games goes out of the window.

“We know QPR have some players who can be potential match winners and if we are not on our game, they have the potential to beat us.

“At this stage of the season there are no easy games. If we want the result, we will have to go out and earn it.”

Wayne Rooney admits the Battle of Manchester has got him as gripped as the rest of the nation.

The Manchester United striker is at the centre of one of the most exciting title races in Premier League history – and has revealed that he just can’t get it out of his mind.

Whether it’s scoring vital goals to keep Sir Alex Ferguson’s side ahead of their noisy neighbours – or watching City on TV, Rooney is hooked.

And despite already winning four titles and a Champions League trophy since joining United from Everton in 2004, the 26-year-old believes holding off the challenge from the Etihad Stadium would be one of the greatest achievements of his career.

“It’s on your mind all the time and you’re thinking about it every day,” said the England forward.

“The games usually come every three or four days at this time of the campaign so you’re always thinking about the next match and looking at the league table all the time.

“I watch pretty much every game that’s on, no matter who’s playing. If there’s a game on, I can’t not watch it.

“Watching games can be really frustrating, but when things go your way it’s a great feeling.

“The most important thing for us is to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we take care of our results, but of course it does give you a real boost when you see your rivals drop points.

“We just need to keep winning to ensure we take advantage of that if and when it happens.

“It’s the first time since I’ve been here and the first time for many years that United and City have been going head-to-head for the title.

“To win it would be great for the players, the fans and the club as a whole, and it would definitely be one of the best titles we’ve ever won.”

United have spent much of the season trying to hang onto City’s coat-tails after Roberto Mancini’s side made such an explosive start to the campaign – including that 6-1 win at Old Trafford.

But the title race has swung dramatically in United’s favour in recent weeks as City have managed a run of just one win in their last four Premier League games.

It has seen the champions build up a five-point lead at the top of the table following Monday’s 2-0 win at Blackburn.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That can be extended to eight with victory against QPR at Old Trafford on Sunday and Rooney is determined to pile the pressure on City as the season reaches a finale.

Rooney added: “You are coming to the part of the season where you know that there’s a big prize at the end of it,” he said.

“There is pressure in every game, but these are the matches that all footballers love playing in.

“You have to stay focused in every game and hope that, at the end of it, you do well enough to win trophies and medals.

“It’s probably more challenging than it’s ever been in the Premier League to win the title. You have to be at your best in every game.

“You can’t perform at 75 per cent of your capabilities and expect to win it. It’s a great challenge and one we’re all hungry to win.”

A record 20th title would be particularly impressive given the stage United are at in Ferguson’s rebuilding of his squad – as well as a series of injuries to key players this season.

Long-term absences of Nemanja Vidic, Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher have not been allowed to hamper United’s charge to the top of the table – even if they have disappointed in Europe.

Rooney’s outstanding form has been pivotal – hitting 29 goals in all competitions this season.

While United have been relentless domestically, elimination from both the Champions League and Europa League has been indicative of their inconsistency.

Rooney accepts they have not been at their brilliant best on occasions – but believes another title would be the perfect response to their critics.

“I think there have been games when we could have played better, but we’ve shown the spirit and the determination to grind out results when we’ve needed to,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of quality players in the side and at times this season we’ve played great football and then at other times we haven’t played as well.

“But we still dug out results. If you look at the points tally for this stage of the season it’s probably one of the highest in United’s Premier League history.

“We won the league last season and are in a great position to do that again this year so we haven’t done too badly.

“We’re not really too concerned what people say as long as we keep winning games,” Rooney added.

Sir Alex Ferguson: "Ferdinand and Evans have been absolutely superb. Jonny has hit fantastic form and Rio's experience has been important."

Nani is back in traing for United too and might feature vs QPR on Sunday:):D.

Manchester United have won 10 of their past 11 league games and drawn the other, not only displaying the sort of precisely timed acceleration that defines champions but giving their rivals an object lesson in team unity and professional focus. While United have moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League, Manchester City have been one of the sides caught arguing among themselves, with disappointing results leading to signs of dissent on and off the pitch.

It could be argued that good results promote team harmony, and vice versa, though even in adversity, or the occasions such as Monday evening at Blackburn when the leaders had to wait 80 minutes for a breakthrough, squabbling among United players is rare.

"I wouldn't allow it," Sir Alex Ferguson says, speaking with all the authority of a manager who has faced down internal criticism from Roy Keane, Jaap Stam and others in his time. Even those cases tended to happen away from the pitch, in television studios or books. United players conspicuously fight for each other on the pitch, they do not turn on each other.

"There's a distinction to be made between having your say on the pitch, like Peter Schmeichel used to do when he bawled out his defenders, and squaring up to each other like the two players at Wolves did at the weekend," Ferguson says. "That can happen, particularly at the bottom of the league, because clubs who are struggling are under a lot of pressure and it is easy to understand players becoming frustrated. But really, if you don't have unity you are not playing as a team. The demeanour of a team is important, you can judge it by the way they celebrate a goal.

"We have a lot of experience in our team, and the knowledge of players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand will be vital in the coming weeks, but we have also got young lads breaking into the side who are looking at those players and working out what they are doing right to have lasted so long. They are great examples for young players to learn from."

Ferdinand has performed so consistently in recent games that Ferguson believes he is due for an international recall. "If I were England manager I would take him to the Euros for his experience. He and John Terry are the only experienced central defenders England have got. All the rest are young, really. I don't think there are any experienced centre-backs to challenge them, but Rio has not been in the last few squads so it's a decision for the next England manager."

Ferdinand originally fell out of England favour because he missed so many United games through injury. Now he is back playing regularly and proving a convincing leader of the defence, Ferguson can see at least another season for a player whose career seemed to be drawing to a close.

"He should be OK for another season, he only turns 34 in November. We don't train him every day, we let him have the odd quiet day, as we call it. He has had to change his game as he got older because he used to rely on his pace and mobility such a lot. He was such a pure athlete, he could outrun anyone and he used to take advantage of that. He can't do that any more so he has had to improve his positioning and play a bit deeper.

"Experience is a vital part of his game now, he has done a lot to help Jonny Evans come on so well and he has helped David De Gea settle in. He has had a lot of responsibility with Nemanja Vidic being out, but his present form is his most consistent for a long time. In his younger days he would often make the odd mistake through casualness, he had that wee trait in him. Now you don't get any mistakes at all."