The race for the Barclays Premier League title is poised for a dramatic final furlong during April and May.
The Reds remain the favourites, leading by a point and with one more game to play than the challengers. Here ManUtd.com previews the nine matches that stand between the champions and title number 18, and reminds you of last season's corresponding results.
Aston Villa (H) – 5 April, 18:00
The Villans occupied a lucrative Champions League place for much of the season and they would be bitterly disappointed to lose out now. They have never won a league game at Old Trafford in the Premier League era and were handsomely beaten on their last visit. (2007/08: United won 4-0)
Sunderland (A) – 11 April, 17:00
The Black Cats remain in the mire, despite some improvement when former United coach Ricky Sbragia succeeded Roy Keane as manager. The Reds would love a repeat of last season's Boxing Day trip. (2007/08: United won 4-0)
Portsmouth (H) – 22 April, 22:00
Pompey are also in the relegation dogfight, desperate for points. They visited Old Trafford twice last season, losing in the league but winning in the FA Cup. (2007/08: United won 2-0)
Tottenham (H) – 25 April, 19:30
After suffering the narrowest of defeats in the Carling Cup final, Spurs will be seeking a degree of revenge in late April. Harry ‘Houdini’ Redknapp has a reputation for producing surprise results against United - the Reds can ill afford another one. (2007/08: United won 1-0)
Middlesbrough (A) – 2 May, 17:00
The Teesiders tend to raise their game against United and have occasionally reaped maximum points. A dramatic meeting at the Riverside last season reopened the title race. Hopefully history will not be repeated. (2007/08: Teams drew 2-2)
Manchester City (H) – 9 May, 17:00
City’s on-field performances have failed to match the endless hype that has surrounded the club for the past few months. However derby games are notoriously difficult to predict and the Blues would enjoy nothing more than wrecking United’s title hopes. (2007/08: United lost 1-2)
Wigan Athletic (A) – 13 May, 22:00
United lifted the 2007/08 Premier League trophy at the JJB stadium after a heart-stopping 2-0 win. This term the Latics have consolidated their position in the division and they provided a stern test at Old Trafford in January, losing only 1-0. (2007/08: United won 2-0)
Arsenal (H) – 16 May, 17:00
Arsenal’s own title aspirations may have evaporated well before Christmas, but the opportunity to dent United’s hopes is sure to energise Arsene Wenger and his team. This fixture is always an intense affair and the Reds will be desperate to reverse November's defeat at the Emirates. (2007/08: United won 2-1)
Hull City (A) – 24 May, 18:00
Could United's first competitive game at the KC Stadium decide the destiny of the title? Even if Hull are safe by then, they surely wouldn't want to sign off their first Premier League campaign with a home defeat. (2007/08: Did not play)
Summary
United may have to improve on last season's corresponding results to retain the Barclays Premier League title.
If we imagine the Reds winning at Hull in '07/08, then a carbon copy in the last nine games would yield 22 points (seven wins, one draw, one loss).
Liverpool, currently a point behind the champions, would collect 24 points if they won all their eight remaining matches.
The Reds remain the favourites, leading by a point and with one more game to play than the challengers. Here ManUtd.com previews the nine matches that stand between the champions and title number 18, and reminds you of last season's corresponding results.
Aston Villa (H) – 5 April, 18:00
The Villans occupied a lucrative Champions League place for much of the season and they would be bitterly disappointed to lose out now. They have never won a league game at Old Trafford in the Premier League era and were handsomely beaten on their last visit. (2007/08: United won 4-0)
Sunderland (A) – 11 April, 17:00
The Black Cats remain in the mire, despite some improvement when former United coach Ricky Sbragia succeeded Roy Keane as manager. The Reds would love a repeat of last season's Boxing Day trip. (2007/08: United won 4-0)
Portsmouth (H) – 22 April, 22:00
Pompey are also in the relegation dogfight, desperate for points. They visited Old Trafford twice last season, losing in the league but winning in the FA Cup. (2007/08: United won 2-0)
Tottenham (H) – 25 April, 19:30
After suffering the narrowest of defeats in the Carling Cup final, Spurs will be seeking a degree of revenge in late April. Harry ‘Houdini’ Redknapp has a reputation for producing surprise results against United - the Reds can ill afford another one. (2007/08: United won 1-0)
Middlesbrough (A) – 2 May, 17:00
The Teesiders tend to raise their game against United and have occasionally reaped maximum points. A dramatic meeting at the Riverside last season reopened the title race. Hopefully history will not be repeated. (2007/08: Teams drew 2-2)
Manchester City (H) – 9 May, 17:00
City’s on-field performances have failed to match the endless hype that has surrounded the club for the past few months. However derby games are notoriously difficult to predict and the Blues would enjoy nothing more than wrecking United’s title hopes. (2007/08: United lost 1-2)
Wigan Athletic (A) – 13 May, 22:00
United lifted the 2007/08 Premier League trophy at the JJB stadium after a heart-stopping 2-0 win. This term the Latics have consolidated their position in the division and they provided a stern test at Old Trafford in January, losing only 1-0. (2007/08: United won 2-0)
Arsenal (H) – 16 May, 17:00
Arsenal’s own title aspirations may have evaporated well before Christmas, but the opportunity to dent United’s hopes is sure to energise Arsene Wenger and his team. This fixture is always an intense affair and the Reds will be desperate to reverse November's defeat at the Emirates. (2007/08: United won 2-1)
Hull City (A) – 24 May, 18:00
Could United's first competitive game at the KC Stadium decide the destiny of the title? Even if Hull are safe by then, they surely wouldn't want to sign off their first Premier League campaign with a home defeat. (2007/08: Did not play)
Summary
United may have to improve on last season's corresponding results to retain the Barclays Premier League title.
If we imagine the Reds winning at Hull in '07/08, then a carbon copy in the last nine games would yield 22 points (seven wins, one draw, one loss).
Liverpool, currently a point behind the champions, would collect 24 points if they won all their eight remaining matches.