Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the title is in their hands.

Not long ago they were cut adrift from Phil Scolari's Chelsea. whose odds were slashed on taking the Premier League crown back to Stamford Bridge.

Now if you gave United their game in hand there would be only two points between them - and Fergie's boys are keeping the heat on Liverpool too.

Not just that but United have already played all their toughest away games, including the trips to title rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Fergie said: "You look at the first half of the season and we'll have played away to almost every team who finished in the top 10 last season.

"That's incredible. I have to say having home advantage against those teams at the end of the season should help us."

Of the top 10 finishers last season United have only to play at West Ham.