Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes the return to full fitness of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand is critical for their trophy hunt.
"Experience is important at this time of year," said Ferguson. "It allows you to be composed under pressure and gives you a presence.
"But it is more than that. It is the partnership.
"I keep on about Bruce and Pallister, who were together for seven years and hardly missed a game.
"Through that they got a consistency and an understanding and knowledge of each other's capabilities. Now it is the same with Ferdinand and Vidic."