Irwin: Veterans Can Win Title Race

Denis Irwin concedes Manchester City deserve their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League, but is confident United's seasoned campaigners can reel in the Blues and win the title.

Following this weekend’s fixtures – United kick off at Arsenal on Sunday an hour after City and Spurs leave the Etihad Stadium pitch – the gap at the top could be as wide as six points or as narrow as goal difference. But Reds legend Irwin, who played 529 times for the club, insists it’s too early to talk about making a mark on the title race.

“There’s still an awful lot of the season to go and teams will drop points," Irwin told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "It's as simple as that. I think we’ll know more in the next month or so.

“What you look at the matches United have got, it’s going to be tough. But City have tough games, too, as do Spurs. They play each other on Sunday. But that’s why you’re in this league: to play tough matches. It’s part and parcel of the Premier League.

“Spurs have done unbelievably well to get into the position they are. But City are our main rivals. I don't think you can argue that they have been the better team over the first half of the season.”

But while City have caught the eye, Roberto Mancini’s men can’t seem to shake United’s attentions and have won just two of their last six fixtures in all competitions. As the pressure mounts and the business end of the season approaches, Irwin feels the Reds will gain the upper hand.

“It’s the experience we have over the last 20 years that I hope will lead us to first place,” said the former United full-back. “That experience counts an awful lot. Sometimes you can drop points and you feel as though that’s it, the end. But that point could win you the championship.

“You can't buy that experience. The manager and coaching staff have been down the road many times and there are plenty of players who have been around for a long time. It is only through experience that you know what to do.

"Somebody like Paul Scholes will be a calming influence. His experience in the dressing room and on the pitch will be a real boost to the lads. He isn't the most talkative guy but he'll lead by example. It is great to have his experience for the last three or four months.”

Denis Irwin was speaking at the launch of the Big Red Bike Ride. For more info, visit www.heartsandminds.org.uk