TIME to tempt fate. Manchester United’s usual cakewalk means the Premiership title is practically won already. So much for the most competitive title race in years. The nether end of the table is far more interesting.

This season’s procession is all the more remarkable because United took a fortnight off to become world champions. If José Mourinho’s Internazionale cannot beat them in the Champions’ League the sextuple remains a distinct possibility.

Ten of United’s 17 league titles have come in the past 17 seasons. One consolation then is that before 1993 they were rather ordinary.

NICHOLAS E GOUGH

Kennedy Drive

Eldene

Swindon