That Special Feeling

Arriving in Manchester for the last two games have been met with a scent of success amongst the Red side of the city.

With the final International break of the season out of the way, the finishing post is well within sights for the Red Devils.

The month of March began with a confidence boosting Scouse busting at Anfield and then continued with Champions League progression over Lille, FA Cup progression over Boro and then a bashing of Bolton at Old Trafford.

I've said it before and I'll say it again many are still waiting for United to have their blip but the fact is we've had it and we've not lost a game during it, in that run we triumphed in France, at the Craven Cottage and on Merseyside. Pretty good for a team in a blip if you ask me!

United have been one of the top performers in Europe, consistently, this season. Winning games in the league and cup competitions scoring loads of goals, conceding few and doing so in style associated with Manchester United's "glory days" (whoever said they were over?), from now on though United players, staff and fans alike will just worry about the wins and with a potential of 15 remaining games that is all that matters. (15 games = 8 league, 2 FA Cup?, 5 Champions League?)

One low point from March was the number of injuries accumulating for United added to Paul Scholes' suspension gained on Merseyside. Edwin Van Der Sar, Patrice Evra, Gary Neville, Darren Fletcher, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were all ruled out.

Now though Paul Scholes is back as are Van Der Sar, Solskjaer, Evra and Saha although the latter two may miss the Blackburn Rovers game.

Things are turning in United's favour, Ronaldo shows no sign of letting up in his relentless form and Rooney bagged a brace versus Bolton - with Scholesy back and refreshed the three will put fear in any defence not to mention the return of Louis Saha and Ole Solskjaer.

Although Vidic has shown sides of complacency recently the international break may have done him some good in he has been without the pressures that come with being at United for a period of time, on the flip side Gabi Heinzé has shown form that made him United's Player of the Season in his debut season with the club and Rio Ferdinand has been as solid as a rock for the whole campaign.

Ferguson has cast doubts over whether we'll witness another season like that classic, unprecedented 1998-99 campaign and in all honesty it will take some massive efforts in the remaining months but with United in a position in the league where we know what to do and have the experience to continue without buckling under the pressure; in a position in the FA Cup where we are almost certs to reach the final (no disrespect to Watford) and are favourites in the last eight clash with AS Roma in the European Cup - there's always a chance United fans could witness something of a vintage '99 season again.

What is for sure is that special feeling is back amongst the Red Army and also that Manchester United will not let up grip of their chance to lift their ninth Premier League title in May.

Visit www.stretfordendflags.com for more news on Manchester United and discussions on how to make Old Trafford a more atmospheric stadium.