Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was left looking for a favour from former Old Trafford striker Mark Hughes in a last-gasp bid to retain the Premier League title.
Although United beat Swansea 2-0 at Old Trafford here on Sunday they head into the final round of matches on May 13 behind leaders Manchester City, 2-0 winners over Newcastle, on goal difference.
If United are to have a chance of winning a 20th English title, they need a relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers side managed by Hughes to cause an upset away to City at Eastlands -- where the leaders are unbeaten in the league this season -- and better their cross-town rivals' result when they play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
If both Manchester clubs win, only a massive goal difference swing in United's favour (City currently have a plus eight advantage) will deny Roberto Mancini's men the title.
"We have to go there with the right spirit to win the match," Ferguson told Sky Sports of the game away to Sunderland. "You never know.
"Our responsibility (next week) is to win the game.
"We've got next week. QPR need a point you never know. I just wish Sparky (Hughes) was playing."
Speaking about Sunday's win, he added: "We did what had to do. We won the match. We had a lot of chances. I thought we played very, very well."
Source: AFP
