Reds’ title charge gathering pace

MANCHESTER United captain Gary Neville believes the Reds hold the destiny of the Premier League title in their own hands.

United are on a roll, winning six of their last seven league games and drawing the other.

It is little wonder they are quietly confident of securing an unprecedented fourth successive crown.

Neville said: "It is in our hands now and it has not been like that for a while.

"Chelsea have to come here – and that is where we want to be. We want to win our home games."

While United are gaining momentum, Wayne Rooney is having a purple patch. The England striker scored his 23rd goal of the season, equalling a career best, when he made the breakthrough in the 40th minute following a cross from Darren Fletcher.

Neville is keen for his team–mate to maintain that form, especially as they are about to lock horns with David Beckham's AC Milan in the Champions League.

He said: "Wayne was in the right position at the right time after a great ball by Fletcher. He is a having a great season and is a fantastic player for us.”

After Rooney opened the scoring, United added a second on the stroke of half–time. Nani's close–range effort took a deflection off Anthony Vanden Borre and then goalkeeper David James.

James was again cursing his luck in the 58th minute as Michael Carrick's drive cannoned off Richard Hughes and left him stranded.

United maintained the momentum and made it 4–0 on the hour with Dimitar Berbatov regaining possession and sending a low shot into the corner after Portsmouth failed to close him down.

The scoring was completed nine minutes later when Marc Wilson turned Evra's cross into his own net.

Neville said: "To get that goal before half–time was huge. Once we got it, Portsmouth found it very difficult. It deflated them.