United must prove they’re ‘still a force’

ALAN SMITH has called on his team-mates to show the rest of the Barclays Premiership “Manchester United are still a force to be reckoned with” over the closing weeks of the season.

Alex Ferguson's men kept up the pressure on Arsenal for runners-up spot with a 4-0 victory at Charlton on Sunday, where Smith netted his first goal since December 18.

Although United still need the Gunners to drop points over the remaining fixtures if they are to clinch second place, and with it automatic qualification for the Champions League, Smith believes everyone can take heart from back-to-back victories in the Premiership, which followed successive league defeats.

"We know we can win trophies and know we have fallen short of what we are capable of," reflected the 24-year-old striker.

"We've had a disappointing season and we took it out on Charlton.

"Hopefully that victory will stand us in good stead for the cup final and give us confidence for next season.

"We have got to make sure we improve on Sunday and remind everyone Manchester United are still a force to be reckoned with.

"This club has won championship after championship and we have got to get back to that."

United host relegation-battlers West Brom next weekend, and then newly-crowned champions Chelsea on May 10 before travelling to Southampton who are also fighting for survival on the final day of the season.

And the former Leeds hitman insists with places in the FA Cup final side still up for grabs, everyone will be out to make an impression on the United boss between now and their date with Arsenal in Cardiff on May 21.

"The last three Premiership games are going to be interesting," said Smith, who made a £7million switch across the Pennines in May 2004 following Leeds' relegation.

While the saga over Ferdinand's improved contract offer continues to drag on, it was the performance of another player who has yet to commit to a new deal which caught the eye of Ferguson against Charlton.

Roy Carroll found himself back between the posts on Sunday, and made an important early save from Francis Jeffers when the match was still goalless.

The Northern Ireland keeper is out of contract at the end of the season, but the offer of a three-year package from the Old Trafford club has been there for some time.

Carroll could now find himself in the driving seat to keep goal in the FA Cup final, after an error from Tim Howard had helped to set up Newcastle's goal at Old Trafford last Sunday.

"The problem for Tim is he needs experience," reflected the Manchester United manager.

"He could play for 90 minutes for us every week and get just one save then it is not about the great technique and speed he has got, it is the experience about handling it when he does get that one save.