Sir Alex Ferguson has unflinching faith that his players won’t let him down in the last two league games, not when there's still a chance to win the title.
Chelsea hold the advantage, but the leaders are just a point ahead of United and face a trip to Anfield before the Reds pay a visit to Sunderland – a game Sir Alex isn’t underestimating.
United secured a late win last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, and the manner of the victory has filled Sir Alex with confidence. “We played without nerves last week. We showed great temperament. At 1-1 with 20 minutes left, we had to raise the bar. I thought that was the best part of our game. We showed great determination to get back in front.
“We made one or two changes, which worked for us. But the temperament was fantastic. If you get that with three games to go then you can be confident and trust your players for the last two matches. I hope it goes down to the last game. If we get a chance to win it in the last game, that’s all we would wish for.”
Before taking on Stoke City at Old Trafford next Sunday, United must first take three points at the Stadium of Light. But Steve Bruce’s Black Cats are no pushovers. “Sunderland have hit form,” says the boss. “My old captain has done a great job there, and he's started to bring one or two young players. It's refreshing to see a manager putting his trust in young players.
“Darren Bent has had a great season, young Fraizer Campbell is doing very well. He's getting a quota of goals and it is encouraging for him. Kenwyne Jones is also a real handful and they’ve got some good young players in their team, like [David] Meyler and [Jordan] Henderson. So, we know what we're facing.
“And it’s one thing saying we hope Liverpool do us a turn, it’s Sunderland’s last home game of the season and they are in good form. Sunderland will do their best and we have to match that. It’s not an easy game.”
