Two wins from the title, and Manchester United’s victory against Everton proves they will be worthy Premier League champions

COMMENT
By Greg Stobart at Old Trafford

“I think we will be okay.” That was Sir Alex Ferguson‘s assessment of Manchester United‘s title challenge in his programme notes ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Everton.

For those of us used to re-interpreting public relations messages, what the United boss was trying to say was that it would take an almighty cock-up for his side to miss out on the Premier League crown this season.

United then went out, on a sun-baked day at Old Trafford, and proved exactly why they will not let it slip, why they will be worthy champions at the end of a season that has been low on quality across the board.

What separates the Red Devils from the two teams directly below them – Arsenal and Chelsea – is their winning mentality, their insatiable desire to win.

That was proved yet again as Javier Hernandez popped up with a priceless 84th minute winner that leaves United six points clear of the pack with just four games left to play.

Sign of champions | Late Hernandez winner sums up United desire

It came just when hopes were being raised in north and west London that Everton could cling on for a draw they didn’t deserve in the slightest for a performance that lacked any attacking ambition.

In similar circumstances, you can be quite sure that Arsenal would not have found a way to win the game; they have proved in the last week that they lack the necessary drive and resilience.

MASTERS OF THE LATE GOAL

Teams with most goals in the last 10 minutes of matches in 2010/11: Manchester United – 15 Chelsea – 13 Stoke City – 13 Everton – 11 Arsenal – 10 Bolton Wanderers – 10 Blackpool – 10 West Bromwich Albion – 10 Tottenham – 9 Newcastle United – 9 Stats for Premier League games only

The same could be said for Chelsea given their woeful form for long periods of the season, but United have always found the drive and the skill to turn draws into victories, the hallmark of championship-winning teams.

United were slow out of the blocks and never hit top form, but they were the better side throughout the game, playing with high tempo and creativity in the final third.

Hernandez was a constant threat, always on the shoulder of the last man and looking to move into goalscoring positions. The 22-year-old, who has been in sensational form recently, forced Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard into three superb diving saves with attempts with each of his left foot, right foot and head.

Wayne Rooney caused damage against his old side, drifting into dangerous positions and releasing Hernandez whenever possible, while Antonio Valencia increasingly looked like he would help break the deadlock as he offered width and well-placed crosses into the box.

When Michael Owen hit the post with an effort from a tight angle, Ferguson started tapping his watch as he stood in his technical area, sensing the need for some ‘Fergie time’ as United ramped up the pressure.

But there was always a sense of inevitability that United would score, a certainty that Everton would not be able to withstand the pressure despite outstanding displays from Howard and centre-back Phil Jagielka.

In the end, the Merseysiders could not maintain their level of concentration for the full 90 minutes and Hernandez was on hand to score a predatory header from close range after Valencia’s cross took a slight deflection.

It was the 15th time in the league this season that United have scored in the last 10 minutes of a game, representing over 21 per cent of their total goals, their most prolific period in matches.

The closer it gets to crunch time, the more likely it is that United will score. They proved it against Bolton last month when the game was goalless heading into injury time – and they did it again on Saturday.

It leaves Ferguson’s side two more wins away from achieving the club’s record-breaking 19th top flight title, with huge clashes against Arsenal and Chelsea still to come.

It has not been a vintage season for United but they have proven throughout the campaign that they can produce results and performances when it really matters.

Ferguson will not say it and risk offering an incentive to Arsenal and Chelsea, but Manchester Untied are more than ‘okay’ – they are champions-elect, and it will be fully deserved.