Date Home - Away
10/05 v Man. City (H)
Team Pld W D L Pts
1 Man. United 34 25 5 4 80
2 Liverpool 35 22 11 2 77
3 Chelsea 35 22 8 5 74
4 Arsenal 35 19 11 5 68
5 Aston Villa 35 16 10 9 58
6 Everton 35 15 11 9 56
7 West Ham 35 13 9 13 48
8 Man. City 35 14 5 16 47
9 Fulham 35 12 11 12 47
10 Tottenham 35 13 8 14 47
11 Wigan 34 11 9 14 42
12 Bolton 35 11 6 18 39
13 Stoke 35 10 9 16 39
14 Portsmouth 35 9 11 15 38
15 Blackburn 35 9 10 16 37
16 Sunderland 35 9 8 18 35
17 Hull 35 8 10 17 34
18 Newcastle 35 6 13 16 31
19 Middlesbrough 35 7 10 18 31
20 West Brom 35 7 7 21 28
Reds peaking at right time
The United manager has seen his side recover from March's back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Fulham with five straight Premier League wins, taking the champions to within seven points of a third successive title.
“The team has come into top form at the right time,” he told his Friday morning press conference. “City have won their last four games and they’ve got some good players, but we’re going into the game with a great deal of confidence ourselves.
"A lot of our players are smelling the big games now. If you look at the last few weeks we’ve had a fantastic performance in Porto, two great performances against Arsenal, the second half against Tottenham and a really good display at Middlesbrough.
"The team has just come into top form at the right time. I’d like to say it was my preparation, but it’s not. I think the players smell the big games well. They like those situations, they’ve proved they can handle them and we’re so close now."
The Boss also confirmed that there are no new injury concerns from Tuesday's win at the Emirates.
“The team has come into top form at the right time,” he told his Friday morning press conference. “City have won their last four games and they’ve got some good players, but we’re going into the game with a great deal of confidence ourselves.
"A lot of our players are smelling the big games now. If you look at the last few weeks we’ve had a fantastic performance in Porto, two great performances against Arsenal, the second half against Tottenham and a really good display at Middlesbrough.
"The team has just come into top form at the right time. I’d like to say it was my preparation, but it’s not. I think the players smell the big games well. They like those situations, they’ve proved they can handle them and we’re so close now."
The Boss also confirmed that there are no new injury concerns from Tuesday's win at the Emirates.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been named Barclays Manager of the Month for April
After a tough end to March in which United lost 4-1 to Liverpool and 2-0 to Fulham, the boss steered his resurgent Reds to four straight victories last month.
It started with the incredible scenes at Old Trafford against Aston Villa, with 17-year-old debutant Federico Macheda grabbing an astonishing injury-time clincher in a dramatic 3-2 win.
The Italian was again got the winner away to Sunderland, joining Paul Scholes on the scoresheet in a 2-1 success at the Stadium of Light.
Portsmouth were then dispatched 2-0 back in Manchester, although the winning margin could, and should, have been wider.
Sir Alex had to show his tactical nous as the Reds went in 2-0 down at half-time against Tottenham Hotspur in the last outing in April; sending out fearsome foursome Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov to spearhead five second-half goals.
Twelve goals in four games has kept the Reds in a commanding position in the league, now requiring a maximum of seven points from four remaining games to win a third consecutive title - the 18th in total.
It started with the incredible scenes at Old Trafford against Aston Villa, with 17-year-old debutant Federico Macheda grabbing an astonishing injury-time clincher in a dramatic 3-2 win.
The Italian was again got the winner away to Sunderland, joining Paul Scholes on the scoresheet in a 2-1 success at the Stadium of Light.
Portsmouth were then dispatched 2-0 back in Manchester, although the winning margin could, and should, have been wider.
Sir Alex had to show his tactical nous as the Reds went in 2-0 down at half-time against Tottenham Hotspur in the last outing in April; sending out fearsome foursome Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov to spearhead five second-half goals.
Twelve goals in four games has kept the Reds in a commanding position in the league, now requiring a maximum of seven points from four remaining games to win a third consecutive title - the 18th in total.
Wayne Rooney feels the season run-in is bringing out the best in him
The 23-year-old has been in fine form in recent weeks despite finding himself in a different role down the left wing.
With a Champions League final to look forward to in Rome later this month and a third consecutive title within grasp, Rooney says it's vital he and his team-mates keep up the momemtum.
"This is the time of the season when you want to really be at your best and enjoy your football and I'm doing that at the moment," he said.
"We're in a great position in the league and we're so close to making history [by retaining the Champions League].
"We set out at the start of the season to retain both trophies and hopefully we can do that.
"The final will be a tough game [against Barcelona], but we just have to concentrate on ourselves and the way we play.
"If we do that and play the way we know we can then I'm sure we'll be okay."
With a Champions League final to look forward to in Rome later this month and a third consecutive title within grasp, Rooney says it's vital he and his team-mates keep up the momemtum.
"This is the time of the season when you want to really be at your best and enjoy your football and I'm doing that at the moment," he said.
"We're in a great position in the league and we're so close to making history [by retaining the Champions League].
"We set out at the start of the season to retain both trophies and hopefully we can do that.
"The final will be a tough game [against Barcelona], but we just have to concentrate on ourselves and the way we play.
"If we do that and play the way we know we can then I'm sure we'll be okay."
UEFA's Control and Disciplinary body will meet on Monday to discuss Darren Fletcher's Champions League semi-final red card against Arsenal
United have appealed to European football's governing body to overturn the dismissal - which rules Fletcher out of the final against Barcelona - because television replays show that the midfielder actually played the ball, rather than Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas in conceding a late penalty.
Earlier on Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson had confirmed the Reds' compassionate letter to UEFA, although he admitted that he held out little hope of the decision being overturned.
"I’m not optimistic at all, but we have to do it for Darren," he told his pre-Manchester City press conference. "It’s in fairness to him and sometimes, when everything’s addressed, you never know. But I don’t think it’ll be overturned.
"I honestly believe the referee made the right decision at the time because from his angle and from where I was, I thought it was a penalty. You see the replays and it’s obvious that Darren has managed to get his leg round and flick the ball away from Fabregas, which was incredible."
Sir Alex feels Fletcher was perhaps the victim of his own diligence at the Emirates Stadium, but is proud of the way the 25-year-old handled the heartbreak of missing a second successive Champions League final.
"Darren’s so honest that where an old stager might just have said (to Fabregas): ‘Go and score,’ he still was determined enough to try and do his job," said the manager. "He’s not an over-emotional boy and he accepts it. It’s disappointing for him obviously, but he takes great credit for the way he’s handled it all."
Earlier on Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson had confirmed the Reds' compassionate letter to UEFA, although he admitted that he held out little hope of the decision being overturned.
"I’m not optimistic at all, but we have to do it for Darren," he told his pre-Manchester City press conference. "It’s in fairness to him and sometimes, when everything’s addressed, you never know. But I don’t think it’ll be overturned.
"I honestly believe the referee made the right decision at the time because from his angle and from where I was, I thought it was a penalty. You see the replays and it’s obvious that Darren has managed to get his leg round and flick the ball away from Fabregas, which was incredible."
Sir Alex feels Fletcher was perhaps the victim of his own diligence at the Emirates Stadium, but is proud of the way the 25-year-old handled the heartbreak of missing a second successive Champions League final.
"Darren’s so honest that where an old stager might just have said (to Fabregas): ‘Go and score,’ he still was determined enough to try and do his job," said the manager. "He’s not an over-emotional boy and he accepts it. It’s disappointing for him obviously, but he takes great credit for the way he’s handled it all."
Wes Brown faces a fight to feature again this season after suffering another injury setback
The 29-year-old defender has endured a miserable campaign, making just six starts after playing such an integral role in last season's Double triumph.
Brown had featured twice for Ole Gunnar Solskajer's Reserves in recent weeks as he continued his comeback from a foot injury, but his hopes of a first team return appear to have been dashed.
"Wes had a little setback during the week and it's just knocked him back a bit," said Sir Alex Ferguson. "The fact that the season's coming to an end makes it difficult for him really."
With John O'Shea and Rafael, plus Gary Neville back from a foot injury of his own, United still have sufficient reinforcements for the right-back berth Brown made his own last season.
Brown had featured twice for Ole Gunnar Solskajer's Reserves in recent weeks as he continued his comeback from a foot injury, but his hopes of a first team return appear to have been dashed.
"Wes had a little setback during the week and it's just knocked him back a bit," said Sir Alex Ferguson. "The fact that the season's coming to an end makes it difficult for him really."
With John O'Shea and Rafael, plus Gary Neville back from a foot injury of his own, United still have sufficient reinforcements for the right-back berth Brown made his own last season.
Manchester United connect with Airtel
This partnership will enable Airtel customers across India, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles will get exclusive access to rich and exclusive United content on their mobile phones.
In addition, Airtel users will get opportunities to participate in training sessions with Manchester United Soccer Schools coaches, to attend matches at Old Trafford and travel into Europe with United to UEFA Champions League games.
The announcement was made at Old Trafford by Sanjay Kapoor, Deputy CEO, Bharti Airtel in the presence of United's David Gill (CEO), Richard Arnold (Director of Commercial), Sir Alex Ferguson and players Darren Fletcher, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
“We are very excited to partner with Manchester United, a powerful global brand with huge following across the world and in India,” said Sanjay Kapoor, Deputy CEO, Bharti Airtel.
“Football is definitely seeing a growing interest amongst the young population in India. Therefore, we are making a pioneering effort to bring to them rich football content on their mobiles, a fantastic opportunity to be part of the world’s leading football club through participation in Soccer Schools, and also an opportunity to watch matches across Europe.”
David Gill said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the partnership with Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecommunications company and one of Asia’s emerging global brands. This partnership demonstrates the enduring strength of the Club internationally.
"We are very proud to have Bharti Airtel as the first Indian company to partner with United. This major partnership will bring the action and the passion of United directly to the millions of our fans across India and other Asian countries."
On whether the partnership could help develop Indian football, Sir Alex Ferguson said:
"Cricket may be India's number one at the moment but I think football is accelerating fast behind it as an emerging sport.
"I hope that maybe some day we will see a young Indian boy in the red strip at Old Trafford because one thing that’s always true of young people is that if you give them an opportunity, they surprise you. Hopefully more young players in India will now get the opportunity to become part of a strong sport.”
The rich and exclusive United content for Airtel customers will include video highlights of Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches, classic goal clips, match reports and editorial features plus a range of popular downloads including mobile games, ringtones, animations and wallpapers.
In addition, Airtel users will get opportunities to participate in training sessions with Manchester United Soccer Schools coaches, to attend matches at Old Trafford and travel into Europe with United to UEFA Champions League games.
The announcement was made at Old Trafford by Sanjay Kapoor, Deputy CEO, Bharti Airtel in the presence of United's David Gill (CEO), Richard Arnold (Director of Commercial), Sir Alex Ferguson and players Darren Fletcher, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
“We are very excited to partner with Manchester United, a powerful global brand with huge following across the world and in India,” said Sanjay Kapoor, Deputy CEO, Bharti Airtel.
“Football is definitely seeing a growing interest amongst the young population in India. Therefore, we are making a pioneering effort to bring to them rich football content on their mobiles, a fantastic opportunity to be part of the world’s leading football club through participation in Soccer Schools, and also an opportunity to watch matches across Europe.”
David Gill said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the partnership with Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecommunications company and one of Asia’s emerging global brands. This partnership demonstrates the enduring strength of the Club internationally.
"We are very proud to have Bharti Airtel as the first Indian company to partner with United. This major partnership will bring the action and the passion of United directly to the millions of our fans across India and other Asian countries."
On whether the partnership could help develop Indian football, Sir Alex Ferguson said:
"Cricket may be India's number one at the moment but I think football is accelerating fast behind it as an emerging sport.
"I hope that maybe some day we will see a young Indian boy in the red strip at Old Trafford because one thing that’s always true of young people is that if you give them an opportunity, they surprise you. Hopefully more young players in India will now get the opportunity to become part of a strong sport.”
The rich and exclusive United content for Airtel customers will include video highlights of Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches, classic goal clips, match reports and editorial features plus a range of popular downloads including mobile games, ringtones, animations and wallpapers.
Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester City will be desperate to stop United taking a huge step towards the Premier League title this weekend
Mark Hughes' Blues visit Old Trafford on Sunday, with United just seven points away from a third straight domestic crown. According to the United manager, City will take motivation from the chance to help out second-placed Liverpool.
"Their fans would love to think they can stop us winning the league," Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference. "It’s a natural thing that can happen. There’s nothing wrong with that, we’d be the same probably. Our fans would be exactly the same. They’re rivalries that involve everyone and I understand their desire to try and beat us on Sunday."
Having ended a 32-year wait to win at Old Trafford in last season's emotional post-Munich anniversary clash, City will be shooting for a second successive victory on enemy turf. But, with United on the brink of an English record-equalling 18th league title, Sir Alex admits his side have plenty riding on Sunday's clash.
"City will be desperate to win again," he said. "It (last season's defeat) was an emotional day for everyone at the club. It was difficult to handle, and we realised that afterwards. But that was over a year ago.
"There are only four games left for us and we’ve got to think of winning it. We’re so close now, it’s ours to win and in our form we’ve got a good chance."
"Their fans would love to think they can stop us winning the league," Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference. "It’s a natural thing that can happen. There’s nothing wrong with that, we’d be the same probably. Our fans would be exactly the same. They’re rivalries that involve everyone and I understand their desire to try and beat us on Sunday."
Having ended a 32-year wait to win at Old Trafford in last season's emotional post-Munich anniversary clash, City will be shooting for a second successive victory on enemy turf. But, with United on the brink of an English record-equalling 18th league title, Sir Alex admits his side have plenty riding on Sunday's clash.
"City will be desperate to win again," he said. "It (last season's defeat) was an emotional day for everyone at the club. It was difficult to handle, and we realised that afterwards. But that was over a year ago.
"There are only four games left for us and we’ve got to think of winning it. We’re so close now, it’s ours to win and in our form we’ve got a good chance."
Patrice Evra knows the importance of derby day and is determined to play his part in victory on Sunday
The Reds can move to within four points of a third successive title with a win at Old Trafford, and it would be even sweeter doing it with a double over City, after Wayne Rooney secured three points at Eastlands in November.
"There's an extra edge to these games," he tells United Review. "Even those of us not from Manchester can understand what it means. We’re aware of the rivalry and what it means to supporters.
"City raise their game against us so they’re always difficult games. I made my debut against them in the derby and, if I’m honest, it was a bad moment for me. But I learnt a lot about the derby and how bad it felt to lose. It’s all about getting the three points and getting closer to the title."
"There's an extra edge to these games," he tells United Review. "Even those of us not from Manchester can understand what it means. We’re aware of the rivalry and what it means to supporters.
"City raise their game against us so they’re always difficult games. I made my debut against them in the derby and, if I’m honest, it was a bad moment for me. But I learnt a lot about the derby and how bad it felt to lose. It’s all about getting the three points and getting closer to the title."
Can United take another step towards an 18th league title by winning the 151st Manchester derby?
Form Guide: United’s midweek Champions League triumph over Arsenal was the fifth straight win since losing the FA Cup semi-final to Everton on penalties. The Reds will be desperate to avenge last year’s 2-1 home defeat to City but more importantly three points would leave the champions needing a maximum of four points from the remaining three games to retain the title (86 points is the highest possible total Liverpool can achieve). City come to Old Trafford on the back of four straight wins including an impressive 2-1 away victory over United’s FA Cup conquerors Everton, only their second away league win this campaign. Mark Hughes' men currently lie eighth and are battling with West Ham, Fulham and Spurs for seventh place in the league and with it, Europa League football next season.
Ins and Outs: Correctly predicting Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up has often proved difficult this season and it's no different for Sunday’s match. There will likely be starting berths for Paul Scholes and Carlos Tevez, who played no part in the Champions League semi-final second leg win over Arsenal, and Darren Fletcher could be given a chance to put his final heartache behind him and drive the Reds’ midfield. City are without injured duo Craig Bellamy and Benjani, who scored both goals at Old Trafford last season, though versatile defender Pablo Zabaleta is expected to return after a hamstring problem. Shaun Wright-Phillips is in contention after missing five games through injury, but in-form Brazilian midfielder Elano may keep him out of the eleven.
Star Man: Brazilian striker Robinho has scored in each of City’s past three games, but these have been his only three goals of 2009. Undoubtedly a precocious talent, his form has suffered away from Eastlands - only three of his 15 goals this season have been scored on the road. United should also be wary of the impressive Stephen Ireland, who was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year alongside Reds duo Rafael and Jonny Evans.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside). Foy will be taking charge at Old Trafford for the first time this season, though he has refereed the Reds’ away games at Portsmouth, Stoke City and Aston Villa plus the Carling Cup final against Spurs. In 34 games this season, he has shown 112 yellow cards but only two reds.
Rivals Watch: West Ham vs Liverpool (Sat 17:30 BST), Arsenal vs Chelsea (Sun 16:00 BST)
Ins and Outs: Correctly predicting Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up has often proved difficult this season and it's no different for Sunday’s match. There will likely be starting berths for Paul Scholes and Carlos Tevez, who played no part in the Champions League semi-final second leg win over Arsenal, and Darren Fletcher could be given a chance to put his final heartache behind him and drive the Reds’ midfield. City are without injured duo Craig Bellamy and Benjani, who scored both goals at Old Trafford last season, though versatile defender Pablo Zabaleta is expected to return after a hamstring problem. Shaun Wright-Phillips is in contention after missing five games through injury, but in-form Brazilian midfielder Elano may keep him out of the eleven.
Star Man: Brazilian striker Robinho has scored in each of City’s past three games, but these have been his only three goals of 2009. Undoubtedly a precocious talent, his form has suffered away from Eastlands - only three of his 15 goals this season have been scored on the road. United should also be wary of the impressive Stephen Ireland, who was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year alongside Reds duo Rafael and Jonny Evans.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside). Foy will be taking charge at Old Trafford for the first time this season, though he has refereed the Reds’ away games at Portsmouth, Stoke City and Aston Villa plus the Carling Cup final against Spurs. In 34 games this season, he has shown 112 yellow cards but only two reds.
Rivals Watch: West Ham vs Liverpool (Sat 17:30 BST), Arsenal vs Chelsea (Sun 16:00 BST)
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