Reds’ resolve will be put to the test

MANCHESTER United’s ability to bounce back from a rare setback will be put to the test at Fulham tomorrow.

Although it is only a fortnight since the Reds crushed the Cottagers 4-0 on their home turf in the FA Cup, United’s confidence must have taken a knock following last weekend’s 4-1 home defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool.

Since returning in triumph from the Club World Cup in Japan, United had enjoyed uninterrupted success in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

But the Liverpool reality check brought them down to earth with a bang and manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s immediate concern is restoring confidence for tomorrow’s vital Premier League game at Craven Cottage.

No matter how much success a team enjoys, heavy home defeats are hardly welcome at the business end of the season and should United slip tomorrow, then nearest pursuers Chelsea and Liverpool will be ready to pounce.

Of course, there is no need for United to panic. They are four points ahead of their two rivals, have a game in hand and boast a healthy goal difference.

Victory tomorrow would put them firmly on track for a third successive Premier League title and keep them in with a chance of lifting five trophies this season.

With the Club World Cup and Carling Cup already in the Old Trafford trophy room, United have the opportunity to create soccer history.

They are long odds-on favourites to win the league title, face Everton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and are through to the last eight of the Champions League, the draw for which was being made today.

But Ferguson is playing down their chances of an unprecedented clean sweep.

He said: "The thing about cup football is you need to be the best, but you also need a lot of luck and I think it's asking too much for all the games to go your way.

"The one thing I will say is this squad is the best I have ever had. Every game we play, I feel confident.

"At the moment, every attack fears our defence and every defence fears our midfield and attack. That gives you confidence, but it is too tough a call."

Having been on the wrong end of an FA Cup mauling, Fulham will be desperate to turn the tables tomorrow.

Under Roy Hodgson the Cottagers escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, but the current campaign has been much more productive.

Fulham are currently in a comfortable ninth position on 37 points, just three short of the acknowledged safety mark of 40.

With nine games of the season remaining, another campaign in the top flight seems assured - and what better way to achieve that than with victory over the current leaders.

CHELSEA are at Tottenham tomorrow, while Liverpool host Aston Villa on Sunday.