After reducing the battle for the Premier eague title to a two-horse race, Manchester United has a benign run of fixtures to look forward to as it bids to reel in Manchester City in the remaining two months of the season.
United has emerged from a tough spell in the league with wins over Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham - while also coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Chelsea - to lie two points behind City with 11 matches left.
Save for the seismic derby match against City on 30 April, United’s remaining matches look much easier than those of its archrival. They begin with a home match today against West Bromwich Albion, which has won its last three matches but is a big underdog heading to Old Trafford.
“We are satisfied with the situation we are in,” United midfielder Michael Carrick said. “But just because we have come through a tough two months doesn’t mean we will sail through the next two nicely.
“We are not getting carried away and we are not taking anything for granted. We know how quickly it can come back and bite us.”
Outplayed and outfought in the first legs of their Europa League last 16 matches on Thursday, the two Manchester clubs must ensure there is no hangover when they resume the title race this weekend.
United found itself in the unusual position of being utterly dominated at home in a humbling 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao.
City, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a 1-0 loss at Sporting Lisbon when it visits Swansea, which has lost only two of its 13 home matches this season since being promoted.
City has won its last four league games but will be without one of its outstanding performers this season after centre back Vincent Kompany injured his calf in Portugal.
Like Carrick, City manager Roberto Mancini doesn’t believe there will be any lasting impact of the loss in Europe.
“I am not worried,” the Italian coach said. “We will go through in the Europa League and Sunday will be a different game.”
United beat Tottenham 3-1 last weekend to open up an 11-point advantage over Harry Redknapp’s third-place team.