Win versus Villa will secure Man Utd’s 20th title

United are closing in on a record 20th league title which they can secure tonight following Manchester City’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham.

Victory against Aston Villa at Old Trafford will also set them up for a four-match run-in where maximum points would allow them to overhaul Chelsea’s record Premier League total of 95 points. Yet it seems destined to be a championship collected with caveats.

For few think this is one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best teams. “People want to see Manchester United fall down,” said Evra. “When you lose one game it is like the end of the world. If you don’t accept this pressure, you can’t play for Manchester United.”

What irritates Evra more is that United’s critics prefer to ignore the positive aspects of their play. For instance, at the start of the season, few looked at the battling qualities shown, preferring instead to concentrate on their leaky defence. More recently, questions have been asked why the Red Devils have been so lacklustre, rather than focus on the 22 points collected from 27 since Gary Neville singled out David de Gea for criticism at Tottenham. Even after their Champions League exit to Real Madrid, the hangover from which still appears to be lingering, United have collected ten points from five games.

“It is right,” said Evra. “In the beginning of the season, Manchester United was not doing well. But people forget we are a marathon team.”