The Premier League or nothing: Sir Alex is in his element

By Dominic Vieira

The 2011/12 Premier League is now Manchester United’s to win or lose. Alex Ferguson is sitting in a position which he’s overly familiar with, which is not only a throne of comfort but one where he freely shares his wise words to antagonize local rivals Manchester City as he bluntly indicated “A season lasts for a bit longer than three months.”

Sir Alex has made a valid point. In December, Manchester City were crystal clear favourites to lift England’s most prestigious crown and led the race until March. But their drop in form was exploited by the Red Devils who have accumulated 28 points from their previous 10 encounters. Surely the 1996 ghost of Kevin Keegan is haunting Roberto Mancini or is this typical Manchester United?

Looking through the previous years, there’s no denial in stating that the season for Sir Alex and his army truly starts in January. Despite an injury plagued campaign and poor European performances, Manchester United are once again in cruise control where Ferguson has produced two key moves in 2012; resurrecting Paul Scholes from the ashes and reigniting the killer flame inside Wayne Rooney who can still become this season’s top scorer.

And tonight’s match is the ideal moment for Manchester United to once more demonstrate who is the number 1 team in the country. Although they're playing at Ewood Park against a re-emerging Blackburn Rovers, who did produce a surprise victory over them last December; Manchester United will be a menacing force tonight as their only objective is to leave with 3 points.

Thus, expanding the gap over City by 5 points with 6 games remaining.

This will certainly place the defending champions on a steady course to retain the title for the 20th time. However, the Premier League could be decided on April the 30th when United travel to Etihad, a contested match which they will not only desire to win but seek revenge from the 6-1 humiliation they suffered last October. This could be the battle of the season and hopefully it will be an electrifying final run of games. Both rivals only have this title to fight for and right now it is Manchester United’s to win or lose.

Here’s a look at their remaining fixtures: