Squeaky bum time

Can Rooney and Ronaldo inspire United to the double.

It’s squeaky bum time at the summit of the Premier League after Chelsea’s 2-1 victory of Manchester United in Saturday’s battle at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United require two wins from their remaining two fixtures to win the title for a second consecutive season. They face West Ham at home and take the trip to Wigan on the final day of the season.

West Ham have a history of upsetting United at the end of the season, United fans will no doubt remember 1995 When Blackburn nicked the title after the Hammers held United 1-1 when really the score should have been double figures but for an inspirational display from Irons keeper Ludek Miklosko.

On paper, the Wigan game also looks like an easy victory, but Steve Bruce’s men are not in the clear yet. They could face a United side requiring victory to lift the title and be looking at relegation too if they lose their next match to Aston Villa and other results go against them.

Chelsea will be hoping United slip up, it’s nigh on impossible for them to beat United’s superior goal difference but they also have a tricky run-in.

A victory away at Newcastle on Bank Holiday Monday is not en easy game for Avram Grant’s men. They also face Premier League strugglers Bolton on the last day of the season.

After Saturday’s so called ‘Battle of the Bridge’ - a ridiculous title that stuck after a post-match dust up in the warm down involving United players and Chelsea staff, it’s United who look on shakier ground.

Chelsea have the all-important momentum and Michael Ballack’s inspired performance emphasised that they are a side firing on all cylinders despite the odd childish on-field spat.

Both sides have tough Champions League fixtures in midweek and you would think that Chelsea are favourites to advance to the final in Moscow on the recent form of their key men.

It would be unthinkable if United were to lose to Barca and fall at the final hurdle in the League but Fergie is a wise old head and many of his senior players have been down this road before.

Star man Cristiano Ronaldo got a boost on Sunday being named PFA player of the year. He’s had a little blip after his penalty miss and if he can steer United past Barca and to the title he will deserve the crown of world player of the year.

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