United piling on pressure

THE tables have been turned on the two Manchester giants.

Premier League leaders City and second-placed United continue their quest for title glory this weekend following Europa League games against Sporting Lisbon and Athletic Bilbao last night.

But it is the side in second who have all the impetus as the season enters its critical phase.

Confronted by a tricky set of fixtures, which included last Sunday’s away game against Spurs, United had been expected to fall further behind than the two points by which they currently trail their bitter rivals.

But a series of fine results for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side – which included an injury-time winning goal at Norwich and 3-1 win at Spurs, where they were outplayed for long periods – has seen the two teams become closer in the betting for the league title.

City surely expected to be further clear by now, and it is the Blues who now embark on a series of difficult games, starting on Sunday with a trip to Premier League surprise packets Swansea.

Chelsea at home and improving Arsenal away are also looming large for Roberto Mancini’s men, while the home game against United on April 30 is starting to look increasingly-crucial.

For their part, United are about to embark on some comfortable-looking matches, beginning on Sunday with the visit of West Bromwich Albion.

From being in a position of comfort at the top, City will now be anxiously looking over their shoulders