We have to stay strong — Berbatov

ONLY a few weeks after looking certain to romp away with their third successive Premier League title, Manchester United may find themselves playing catch-up on main rivals Liverpool.

United were seven points clear of the Merseysiders with a game in hand, but successive defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Fulham have thrown the title race wide open.

The Reds remain a point in front, but that will all change if Liverpool win at Fulham tomorrow.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men entertain Aston Villa on Sunday and could be two points behind by that stage.

Crucially, however, they will have two games in hand on Liverpool and star striker Dimitar Berbatov is backing them to stay strong as they bid to recover from their mini–slump.

Berbatov is struggling to be fit after suffering an ankle problem at Fulham which ruled him out of Bulgaria’s draw with the Republic of Ireland last weekend.

But the former Tottenham striker is not getting too downhearted and insists the atmosphere within the Old Trafford camp is still good.

“If you believe and have faith, and you really want it, it can happen.

“We need to believe in our quality and our ability. I think the gaffer will know the right encouragement to give us to prepare for the games we have. We will stay strong to the end.”

Most of the United players have the experience of winning major trophies to fall back on — but not so Berbatov, who was an onlooker last month as his team–mates overcame his old club to win the Carling Cup.

It was a taste of glory the 27–year–old is anxious to enjoy himself.

“I told the boys in the dressing room, ‘you have already won the Champions League and Premier League’.

“The only one who hasn’t is me. I really want to win those trophies so I can say to the other players ‘I am one of you’.”

Under-pressure United can take comfort from Villa’s recent slump. The Villains have blossomed this season under the shrewd guidance of Martin O’Neill, a man tipped to take over from Ferguson when he finally gives up the Old Trafford hot seat.

Villa looked favourites to secure the fourth Champions League spot after a sustained run of success in which their away form was outstanding.

But the wheels have come off in recent weeks and Arsenal have reclaimed fourth spot as the season enters its finishing straight.