United still on track on all fronts

DOUBTS will remain about Manchester United’s bid to complete a clean sweep of honours until the final ball of the season has been kicked but their summary dismissal of Fulham was an eloquent declaration that they possess the capacity to fulfil the extraordinary challenge of winning every competition that is put in front of them.

Many teams have nudged close to greatness, only to find that the schedule demanded of teams fighting on multiple fronts has proved overwhelming and their are enough hard luck tales about teams destined to win doubles and trebles to fill several books.

United have, of course, set the standard for comprehensive success in 1999 with their treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. A magnificent achievement, make no mistake, but the depth and quality of Alex Ferguson’s current squad has surely set new standards of excellence and provided the manager with an enviable reservoir of resources from which to plunder during the business end of the season.