United v Charlton

On paper this match is a foregone conclusion but I sincerely hope that the players do not treat it as such; otherwise we could come a cropper. As we saw in the Portsmouth game, negative tactics by the visiting manager can stifle a game, get our players frustrated, and chances go begging.

Every game now is so valuable we really need to be securing max points at every opportunity and this game is a serious must win. We also need, if possible, to continue to open up the goal difference over Chelski; this could be vitally important when we visit the Bridge in April.

I suspect Fergie already had one eye on the forthcoming Lille game and am worried that he may well choose this game to rest the necessary players.

Our most important game is always the next one, this one. We should not be worrying about other games until after this one.

I would like to see loads of goals going in, for us, but will settle for a 1-0 own goal to secure 3 points!