Evra: We always knew we were tops

Patrice Evra never had any doubts Manchester United would prove themselves to be the best team in the Premier League.

Providing they avoid defeat at Blackburn tomorrow, the Reds will be crowned champions for a record 19th time.

It was an outcome few were predicting in October, when United were in the middle of their early-season struggles.

Evra countered them, by telling the critics to wait before delivering their judgments.

"I wasn't just saying it to look good in the newspapers. I said that because I believed it,” he said

"I was convinced that no team was better than us this season. Now, that's the result – if we go to Blackburn and win (or draw), we will be champions.”

Though there have been suggestions Sir Alex Ferguson might start fielding weakened teams in a bid to keep his players fresh for the Champions League final, that seems unlikely tomorrow.

Midfield man Darren Fletcher will certainly be hoping for some involvement as he tries to prove his well–being after his recent virus and Ryan Giggs will equal Steve Perryman's record of most appearances – 613 – for one club in the top flight if he makes it on to the Ewood Park pitch.