It’ll be mental if we make it four titles in row

Veteran midfielder Scholes, who has won nine league titles, says United’s experience of the run-ins will help them hold their nerve in what Sir Alex Ferguson has predicted will be one of the tightest finishes in years.

With Chelsea wobbling and Arsenal lacking title-winning experience in their squad, Scholes said: “I’d like to think we have the right players, ones who have been there before and know how tough it can be to win the league. If you have never won the league, then you are desperate to do so.

“On the flip side, once you start winning trophies you don’t want to stop. Maybe that experience will help us because we know what it takes to win the championship.

“Every season is different and throws up new twists and challenges. All we can do is hope we react to what happens in the right way.

“The game against Chelsea at Old Trafford next week [April 3] is going to be massive and we need to win that one, but it is not the only important match. To secure the title, we’ll probably need to win every game. It is a tough task, but we can do it.”

Scholes, 35, says his excitement at the prospect of winning a 10th title is still as strong as it was when he won his first in 1995-96. He added: “Winning the league is a brilliant feeling and it would be great to win four titles in a row.

“Bringing the trophy to Old Trafford three times on the trot was a big achievement, but we want to go a step further. The chance of making history doesn’t drive me on. That’s not in the back of my mind every time I walk onto the pitch. I want to win every game and every trophy, whether it is the first time I’ve won it or the 10th.”

Chelsea’s draw at Blackburn has installed United as favourites and, if they win all their remaining games, they will eclipse old foes Liverpool by winning a record 19th crown.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher said: “This club is all about breaking records and setting the standard, so we all want to make it four titles in a row.

“It would be a great achievement to have won the most championships in English football.” Park Ji-Sung, United’s match winner against Liverpool on Sunday, admits he needs to improve his goal scoring record.South Korea captain Park has scored only 15 goals in 145 appearances for United, although his three this season have come against Arsenal, AC Milan and Liverpool.

He said: “I want to score more goals for United and it does not matter who they are against. I feel good scoring against big teams like Arsenal, Milan and Liverpool but I know I should score more.”

Sunday’s goal was the first in the Premier League at Old Trafford for three years for Park, who has been played in a variety of positions this season. He added: “To score the winner against Liverpool was a fantastic feeling and it was even better that it came at the Stretford End because you are right next to the fans’ reaction.

“I enjoy playing in the middle of midfield. I have experience of playing there before for PSV Eindhoven and for the Korea national team. So, for me, it doesn’t matter if I play in the middle or on either wing.”

Sources close to Wayne Rooney said last night that, although he tweaked his long-standing knee injury on Sunday, it is not thought to be a serious problem and he did not need to report for treatment yesterday when United players were given the day off. Michael Owen has dismissed fears his career is in jeopardy following an operation to repair his hamstring and vowed to be back for United next season.

Owen said: “I had the operation two weeks ago. I’m going to be on crutches for six weeks, so I am definitely out for the season.

“I’m just looking to next season now. And I’ll be back in a United jersey. I’ve got another year left on my contract here and have the option of a third as well.

“I’ve had a great time here and I am really looking forward to being back next season.”