84 the magic number of the season

Sir Alex Ferguson has set Manchester United a target of 84 points in order to reclaim the Premier League title from Chelsea. The Red Devils currently lead Arsenal by five points and are on a club record-equalling unbeaten run in the league of 29 matches.

That would mean that the red devils would have to win at least 10 of their remaining 14 matches or win 8 and draw 6, if they wish to remain unbeaten all season. Another possible combination and one that I feel is more realistic – bearing in mind that United seldom do it the easy way – is to win 9, draw 3 and leave room for a possible 2 defeats.

Manchester United are still in 3 competitions and have big matches coming up against the bitters, Chel$ki (twice), the Arse and the scum, so to remain unbeaten all season would be a gargantuan feat.

Man Utd’s remaining fixtures: Wolves, City, Wigan, Chelsea x2, Liverpool, Bolton, West Ham, Fulham, Newcastle, Everton, Arsenal, Blackburn, Blackpool

It’s interesting to note that even if Chelsea and City were to win all their remaining matches, they would end the season on 86 and 85 points respectively, so Fergie’s target of 84 points is realistic and possible. If United reach the target of 84 points and both those teams drop points in any match, United would only have to worry about Arsenal, who could end the season on 91 points. Wenger’s boys would need to drop 8 points from now to the end of the season to prove Fergie correct.

A new landmark would be set by avoiding defeat at Wolves on Saturday and Ferguson feels 10 wins from the club’s remaining 14 matches will be enough to secure a record-breaking 19th title.

Manchester United last won the Barclay’s Premier League with 90 points in the 2008/09 season.

Manchester United last won the Barclay’s Premier League with 84 points or less in the 2002/03 season when they amassed 83 points. Arsenal finished the season in 2nd place with 78 points, having drawn 9 matches and lost 6.

If the top four clubs were to win ALL their remaining matches:

1. Manchester United – 96 pts

2. Arsenal – 91 pts

3. Chelsea – 86 pts

4 Man City – 85 pts

Battle-hardened

Sir Alex said: “If we can do that (win another 30 points) then we’re in with a chance,” said Ferguson. “Whether it’s winning home or away, it’s about getting enough points to get over that line.

“I think 84 points would definitely win the title. I’m almost sure of that, so we’ve got another 30 points to find.

“Consistency is the key and over the last two months it has been very good. Consistency is the thing that gives you the extra yard or extra belief.

“They trust each other. You have to trust each other. They can look around the dressing room and we have some battled-hardened professionals who have been through the course many, many times.

“We are going to find that in the run-in there are going to be some interesting games for Manchester United. We have a little lead but that can vanish overnight.

“Manchester City are in a challenging position in that top four. Chelsea, Arsenal, ourselves and Tottenham, we are all in there battling.

“Our job is to retain that consistency and relish what we are going to experience. This is a great time to play football knowing you have an opportunity to win the league.”

Ferguson expects a rough ride from Mick McCarthy’s Wolves, who only lost to Bolton after a late Daniel Sturridge goal in midweek.

“Mick McCarthy by his nature is a fighter and his team are fighters so we expect a tough game,” said the United boss.

“I watched them against Bolton and I felt for Mick, I really did. It was devastating to lose that goal the way they did in the last minute of the game.”