Thank you City - Brown

Published: 10 Feb 2010 - 08:58:14

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WES Brown has thanked City for reigniting United's title charge. And now the England defender has set a target of maximum points between now and the end of the season to clinch a record fourth successive Premier League title. United travel to Aston Villa tonight having hit top form in recent weeks - moving them to within two points of leaders Chelsea. And Brown says it was the Carling Cup semi-final success against Roberto Mancini's City that kick-started a campaign that looked to be flagging. "Those two games were brilliant," said Brown. "Coming off after the second leg knowing we had beaten them and earned a place at Wembley gave everyone a massive lift. "Once we get to this stage of the season it is no longer about wanting to win. We have to win. "Recent results mean we have a lot of confidence at the moment. Hopefully, we can keep it that way." United have been in top form lately - blowing Arsenal away in a 3-1 win at the Emirates earlier this month and hammering Portsmouth 5-0 on Saturday. The champions have scored 15 goals in their last four games and could move back to the top of the table if Chelsea slip up at Everton tonight. Brown added: "We have had some good results in the last few weeks, while Chelseadropped points against Hull. "When you look at the table now anyone could take it but knowing other teams have dropped points only matters if we keep winning." Ferguson, meanwhile, believes Villa can break into the top four this season. "There is a consistent vein about Villa," he said. "There are no dramatic changes with them and it is easy to see them getting to fourth place."