UNITED have got the spark and resistance to heave Chelsea off their title pedestal next season.
If the Reds can produce their recent consistency in the 2006-07 campaign then the Premiership trophy could be back at Old Trafford for the first time in four years.
Sir Alex Ferguson's United are now building into a force that could take the fight to the Londoners.
Tonight at Old Trafford the Reds will look to claim West Ham as their seventh consecutive league victim.
The Reds haven't recorded such a consistent winning run since seven straight victories in the December and January period of 2001-02.
The recent sequence has seen 16 goals scored in six matches since the last Premiership defeat at Blackburn in February.
And only five goals have been conceded in the spell.
With Fergie also expressing his delight at the Ryan Giggs and John O'Shea combination in the centre of midfield repairing the engine room difficulties, the Reds are looking up in all departments.
Electricity
"The team are in great form. The confidence and authority in our play in the last few weeks has been terrific," he says.
"The most important thing is the electricity up front has been terrific. Cristiano Ronaldo has been marvellous. Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha have done really, really well.
"These options when you are attacking give us these great threats.
"But you have to defend and get clean sheets time and again like Chelsea do particularly in the league. Defensive qualities are the reason you win things.
"The signings of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra gives us great alternatives in our defending.
"Unfortunately Wes Brown does get injuries from time to time but when he is available he is as good a centre-back as you will get anywhere in this country.
"We have good quality and good alternatives. Vidic, for instance, has come on great recently. They are all excellent defenders. We have a good quota in our defence.
"Consistency is the area you need to get if you want to win the championship there is no question about that," he says.
"When we have won championships in the past we have always had great consistency. Without question players are improving. The one thing you can't give them is old heads. But there is good improvement in the younger players in the team and that is encouraging. The signs are good."
Can United turn the tables on Chelsea next season? Have your say.
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ACCORDING TO NEVILLE THIS SEASON IS A GOER
No surprise to me that the season has turned around since we dropped the negative 4-5-1 that didn't suit our particular players and tried to bore the opponents into defeat. It's also helped that injuries have reduced Fergie's ability to tinker. But - this is the worst premiership I can remember. United are only second because the opposition is very poor.
I think we all agree that once we sort out the midfield we are going to be a very dangerous team and will be challenging for the tittle next year i also expect liverpool and arsenal (if they keep henry) to be better next year so we could have a real scrap on for top place. If we can add two quality central midfield players to the squad and with the return of scholes, Heinze and the imminent break through of rossi we will be in very good shape.
I agree with Gaz. Lets see what next season brings it could be the best title race ever depending on who United sign. If Henry stays and how good a player Chelski can attract. If Roman keeps splashing the cash and the best players in the world are willing to go to such a poxy club for the money then there may be little we can do until our young players fulfill their potential. Anyone know anything new on Obi Mikel??? Chelski dont even need him and by all accounts he would be a great addition to our club.
Paul in Birmingham totally agree. We have to be real about this keeping the faith is great but rolling over teams like Newcastle & Brum shouldn't fool anyone. I personally think it's time for change which isn't just about Alex the man it's about new outlook on scouting, media relations & treatment of players & more. I think even staunchest Ferguson devotees must agree if he doesn't get the right CM's this time he has to be removed. I'm tempering my normal comments here but I still say it's a risk giving him yet another load of money.
God I hope they'll be a title race next season. Watching Chelsea just grind and grind their way to the league has been depressing. Our season will depend on whoever is brought in for the middle of the park and they'll need time, so I hope we do concentrate on the league rather than think we're not in a trasitional stage and drop everything for the CL. Speaking of which anyone else think Arsenal are getting close to mirroring the scousers Champion league's run from last season. God now that is depressing, you'd never here the last of it.
Hope all the rumours of buying Riquelme are false, he is talented but is slower than Fletcher and doesnt defend. Needs a lot of time on the ball and wont suit the Premiership. It might be sensible to buy proven premiership talent - maybe a Reo Coker or Nolan.
We are going to be champions next season if we make some moves in the summer. We still need a defensive midfielder and Ballack will probably go to Chelsea. Gerrard is staying at Liverpool. O'shea is reliable, but nothing special. In the attack, Carlos Tevez would be a good addition, especially if RVN leaves. He is the worldsbest striker and can also play in the midfield. He plays at Crinthians and we will have to fight off bids from Chelsea if we wnt him. A new left back like Carboni would be great for the Defense.
For the third time Fergie is creating a sublime team, however this is the most technically gifted version yet. We lack a bit of steele in midfield, I hope we get that sorted in the summer. Chelsea will no doubt strengten too, but they haven't got the wizardry of Rooney and Ronaldo which can turn a tight game. Watching Chelsea is a bit like watching Norways national team, immensly boring and unimaginative, Mourinho is a good manager but he has no idea of how to play entertaining football. As if he cares...